When beliefs overpower evidence
Analysis and Opinion
By Joe America
I’ve long objected to those who bring popular conspiracy theories to blog discussions as factual truths. A theory is not a truth until verified, as Einstein knew but modern social media marauders do not.
Advocacy these days has taken the form of beliefs over evidence. Can you imagine a state in the US in the very modern year of 2024 banning dictionaries as tools of subversion? Or holding that a pregnant woman trying to save her life by ending a miscarriage would be deemed a criminal? It’s on the slippery slope to the irrational view that a woman who is raped commits an offense that is solved by hanging her until dead.
These are real-world acts today. Beliefs over evidence. Over rational thought. Over facts. Over compassion. Over humanity.
Beliefs and conspiracy theories are tools of power mongers. Every authoritarian uses them to villainize others and give themselves a platform upon which to stand, and rise, in a world full of dirty social media information and unresolved angers.
We are all losers in this environment. You can’t do good by doing bad and you can’t construct truths out of lies. Other than in people’s minds. And that is a sure path to misery.
I seldom try to argue issues with people these days. It’s generally futile. Even highly intelligent people defend the irrational. I find a reliable resource document and provide that. They can read it or not read it. I’m not entering the swamp of mean debate and beliefs over truth.
I hope we discover a better way to engage one another. This blog shows that it is possible. The discussions are truly special, forming a place where contributors teach and truths are for the finding, not the burying. Y’all deserve a pat on the back. You are the exceptions today. The exceptional, actually.
_______________
Cover photo, Bing, for the prompt “When beliefs overpower truth”
The Society of Honor by Joe America 
It’s good that you are where you are, Joe, and I am where I am. If we were both ants, you would be perched on a mountain top with a view, and I would be traversing a trail in the same mountain with fellow ants. Let’s keep on exchanging notes of our journey. Truth is to be found in different points-of-view. Regards.
Thanks for checking in Will. I was wondering yesterday if you are still agitating in your always positive way. Good to know you are. I’ve not yet reached the mountain peak though, or it’s one of those you get to only to discover there is another taller one ahead. So I’m here trudging along, inspired by the view.
Undoubtedly, the internet and social media played a huge role in the state of the world today. Extremism (both left and right ) have long existed. But today’s technology “empowers” everyone the wrong way. It is constant, and people simply don’t just walk away.
Not only that, social media has short-circuited everybody’s patience and capacity for understanding and reflection because all the apps focus on speed and convenience. Previously, Meta’s pre-selecting of what to show on your feed put people on silos.
That nails it well, andrew. No patience, and for sure no compassion. No understanding, less knowledge. Angers built up with every frustration. Grab the gun, verbal or literal.
I used to think that bad experience- the pain and the suffering endured is enough to make people learn and remember. But alas, the same people who peddled that covid was a conspiracy and should avoid vaccines and masks and sent so many conservatives to their deaths are now contending again. Here, perhaps due to poverty, malnutrition and low education standards, the people simply do not remember anything or learn anything! ha ha ha
I remember sharing a good laugh with our fellow Society member, the late Edgar Lores
(who was well read on philosophy) when I remarked that perhaps Filipinos are Zen Buddhists deep inside, because all they can perceive is the here and now, not the past or the future. ha ha ha
2 things the suffering and the understanding where that suffering eminated from.
We lack the understanding and the presence of mind to understand the source of the suffering.
Without that no growth is possible.
That is why we say we love self flagellation and masochism. We never learn and keep history repeating itself.
It will sink in maybe in Gen Z exponentiated to the max power. wait what’s after gen z?
Speaking of Edgar, I am attempting to complete my article but my lack of Edgar’s inborn AI not AI I am now trying asking bard for help.
As to patting ourselves in the back, just make sure it is not our own nape or else binatukan natin sarili natin.
Bard is my brother, haha. I have to tell myself not to be polite with him or her. It doesn’t care.
🙂👍
Now that you’ve mentioned it, until now I still say please in every prompt especially when bard keeps telling me that only a language design waychamacolit.
I get rejected by Bard if I ask for calculations and by Bing if I ask for pictures of naked women. Go figure! 🤣😂🤣
Hahaha
oh, I’m sure people can take a punch in the chin, else they take the highroad to cyberlibel. it is alleged, it is apparent, it is seemingly, are few ‘prefixes’ useful to mitigate the fiery jalapeno of stirring speeches, good faith and kindness aside.
and I’d rather be forgiven than forbidden, hence the germ of an idea, sometimes creative ideas morphing into innovative ideas, welcomed by some, shocking to others. and since I’m never good with abstracts, I’ve loosen few boulders and caused landslides, maybe moral erosion too.
beliefs I have but few, and evidence can take care of itself, and we have quite a good editor here. so cheers!
Being human and fallible, I could be wrong.
But I believe that the greatest guide for humanity is the word of God, the Bible … specifically the King James Bible – the one that Abraham Lincoln seems to have relied on.
See https://compassjournal.org/sermon-from-the-capitol-hill-abraham-lincolns-usage-of-the-bible-in-his-second-inaugural/
Can we look, for a start, at an evidence against this?
Yes, that’s a good place to start. Would it explain why evangelicals appear to support lying and insurrection?
Joe, what you have just written seems to be about your *belief* that evangelicals support lying and insurrection.
You had written:
x-
These are real-world acts today. Beliefs over evidence. Over rational thought. Over facts. Over compassion. Over humanity.
Beliefs and conspiracy theories are tools of power mongers.
-x
You lump beliefs and conspiracy theories together … as tools of power mongers.
Would that hold water?
In any case,
let us consider Lincoln’s beliefs as quoted in the linked article:
“His beliefs likely developed over time through life experiences. Some argue his beliefs most developed throughout the Civil War and especially after he lost his son Willie to typhoid in 1862 …
Lincoln himself told members of the Baltimore Presbyterian Synod in 1863 that the journey of his presidency persuaded him to believe more strongly in and rely more on Divine providence.”
Divine providence can explain the outer world moving outside our control, and inspire our own beliefs. But our beliefs are not science. I have them, yes indeed. How rigorously are beliefs informed, that is the key question. I can do a bibliography to support the more accurate statement that “evangelicals supporting Trump support lying” because his lies are well documented, yet they support him. Do most or all evangelicals support lying? I hope not, but certainly they are allowing their brothers and sisters to support a truly despicable character (in Christian terms), without discernment.
Joe,
Lincoln, most likely, believed that …
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
“And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.” Genesis 5:5
What do you (or science or Biden or Obama) say of the above?
Regarding the “evangelicals” you talk about, I have no idea what Bible they use.
And I do not know of anyone close to Trump who relies on the KJB only.
President Biden and former President Obama are both people of faith, science not so much. I have no way to know what they think about that quote, or different versions of the Bible, but it would be reflective and compassionate, I’m sure.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 KJB
(Let me go back to this later.)
Meanwhile, let me share what I happened upon just now:
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/facial-expressions-do-not-reveal-emotions
——-
“Darwin’s Expression is best viewed as a historical text, not a definitive scientific guide. That leads to a deeper lesson here: Science is not truth by authority. Science is the quantification of doubt by repeated observation in varied contexts. Even the most exceptional scientists can be wrong. Fortunately, mistakes are part of the scientific process. They are opportunities for discovery.”
That’s a great description of science. Thanks.
These two appeared today within hours of each other:
https://www.icr.org/article/14458/
“So, don’t mess with the Word of God!”
https://www.purecambridgetext.com/post/belief
Beliefs
Timely and worthy of consideration … in addition to being a good coincidence … which i hope to show in my next postings.
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/bullet-train-velcro-nature-inspires-design
“… a large amount of humankind’s greatest discoveries
hinged on small decisions, chance encounters and seemingly arbitrary choices.”
Was this (below) a great discovery?:
————————
Genesis 1:1 (first verse of the Bible)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
words 10 [ten]
letters 44
vowels 17
consonants 27
Revelation 22:21 (last verse of the Bible)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
words 12 [twelve]
letters 44
vowels 17
consonants 27
[We are not done yet. This relates to messing with the word of God.]
I think one would have to go to the original language to count words and letters unless one believes ardently that God only uses American English. So no, it is not a great discovery in my mind. But I work the word-game Wordament and consider it a fantastic discovery when I can find a 10 or 11 letter word among the letters strewn across the playing field. So I don’t mind if you find joy in such discoveries.
Joe, you could be right;
And I wrong, very wrong.
But let us look at a 3rd verse:
1 John 5:7
“For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:
and these three are one.”
words 22
letters 88
vowels 34
consonants 54
Now, see how the numbers add up perfectly:
10 + 12 = 22 (words)
44 + 44 = 88 (letters)
17 + 17 = 34 (vowels)
27 + 27 = 54 (consonants)
Does this “simple coincidence” settle the question
about the Johannine Comma (1 John 5:7)?
Maybe not, but see how involved the matter is:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannine_Comma
There is no such thing as a “belief-less” human being. We are all guided by our “value system” serving as a filter to accept certain evidence into our reality, and certain evidence we accept not, or we are not seeking.
A theory cannot be verified in the scientific sense of the word, only falsified, proven wrong. Scientific knowledge is provisional, as Karl Popper pointed out.
There is certainly a strong correlation between a government lying to its citizens and the success of conspiracy theories. Alternative explanations fall on fertile grounds when trust in “authoritative sources” has eroded. Yes, we are almost all losers in such an environment where trust is eroded, but there are certainly the few who benefit from maintaining a certain lie. It’s the most beautiful thing that the truth always stands on its own, only the lie needs energy to be maintained.
I found it a helpful axiom to understand the world so far that “truth is stranger than fiction”.
Happy belated New Year to all of TSOH!
Thanks a.d.o. Best wishes to you as well.
Theories are best guesses and all science is provisional. Yes, true. The US value systems is Christian at its roots. Democracy reflects the compassions and togetherness preached in the New Testament. The Old Testament is more the value system of power over respect, and dictators follow that. The Philippines is a confab of Christian constitutional values and local power politics.
Beliefs are informed or not. We can put it on a scale. Einstein was 95% informed. MAGA Republicans are more like 15%. It is those uninformed beliefs that drive the world these days. It’s not in our best interest, I think. Or not in the best interest of many. Say the 200,000 largely Republican US citizens who believed the vaccine conspiracy theories and are now dead.
Is the foundation of the USA really a Christian one? Those who would point out some of the founding father’s membership to masonic groups, and a lot of the symbolism of American identity being rather Pagan than Judeo-Christian, would disagree. And there you already have it, the beginning of a conspiracy of epic proportions.
Speaking of which: what’s up with the Katipunans lately? 😉
I also still marvel at the evangelists’ capacities to forgive Trump all his indulgence in stealing, lying and adultery, and seeing him as the divinely “appointed drainer of the swamp”, while they would decry Obama as a “marxist Muslim”.
At this point I have no idea what the foundations of America might be. It used to be an idealized form of togetherness apart from the churches, so your point is a good one. Still, in God we trust and we abide by most commandments with an asterisk or two. Lying is evidently now acceptable.
A.D.O.,
Perhaps you may find this interesting:
https://www.chasingthearkofgod.com/a-truth-to-protect-a-country-to-build/
i am not a mason, and, with all due respect, i am not thinking of becoming one.
Thanks i7sharp, and perhaps you, as an apparent fan of the King James Bible, may find this interesting:
https://tobeornottobe.org/
I know many Christians would be adamant that the KJV is the “purest” version of them all. This guy makes a rather interesting case that it is probably the most “tainted” one.
I read the part saying that Shakespeare was not the O.G. Bard
x-I know many Christians would be adamant that the KJV is the “purest” version of them all. This guy makes a rather interesting case that it is probably the most “tainted” one.-x
a.d.o., thank you.I wonder which bible Alan W. Green deems the least tainted one.
btw, can you find a “taint” (or taints)in the rendering of the KJB of Genesis 36:24?
“And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah:this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness,as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.” KJB
You can use this to compare the translations:https://biblehub.com/genesis/36-24.htm
try a YouTube summary app for podcasts 13 14 and 15.
“try a YouTube summary app for podcasts 13 14 and 15.”
Karl, is this a reply to me?
If so, pls clarify … or share what you yourself have found out.
On the other hand, from this link
https://biblehub.com/genesis/36-24.htm
one of the many significant things
one can discover is that where the KJB says “asses,”
these three popular modern versions
NIV
ESV
NKJV
say “donkeys” …
which would make this, imho, interesting:
https://www.animalwised.com/the-difference-between-an-ass-donkey-and-mule-188.html
“The Difference Between an Ass, Donkey and Mule”
skip the YT summary app and jut rad the description of bardcast 15.
re asses the modern translations like analysis este donkeys.will not jibe with your numerology
ADO belated well wishes !
Long time no comment
I read Karl and I thought you were quotng me and said no way I said that hehe.
🤣😂🤣 I once wrote a symphony in a dream. Maybe it’s like that. (I can’t even read music.)
😉
Thank you Karl, all the best to you as well!
I still read the TSOH’s inputs from time time. However, I usually refrain from commenting on the internet because
1. I am not always able to respectfully reply to people who took their time to respond to me in a timely manner, and
2. The Silicon Valley’s and Intelligence Communities’ surveillance and profiling has gotten so out of (democratic) hands, that I rather keep it for myself.
I acknowledge that this is a form of self-censorship though.
Thanks for that and until then.
I use my name ever since I started commenting and there are lots of stuff that I should have kept for my self.
Now that I am in a sort of NGO with retired milutary officers I should learn more need to know attitude.
Recently Bard’s answer in a manner fearing law suits
I have to indicate unnecessarily just the public information please.
Until we meet again.
“The Silicon Valley’s and Intelligence Communities’ surveillance and profiling has gotten so out of (democratic) hands”
I see a recognition of fascism that is already here, not one envisaged for 2024 if the one whose name cannot be mentioned should return, which is now a conspiracy theory.
I know, chempo, that you get it. I actually find myself agreeing to a lot of your comments here.
I think at some point, we should write an article together 😉
Nice. Just ask for Giancarlo’s email address if that collab pushes through. Chemp, just fb message Gian for his e-mail.
Speaking of profiling I remember my amateur profiling that got Jameboy admit he is Juan Luna. It was just because ofhis use of an emotion wearing sun glasses more than once. I should stop doing that before some one sues me.
I would actually have no issue with being profiled by you Karl, because
1. You seem like a very decent person, someone I would appreciate to have in my family. I don’t mind my family to get to know me better, and
2. You don’t seem to have the capability to manipulate me to the same extent as corporations and government agencies have.
Remember all LLM users out there; there is no such thing as a “free” online service. If you don’t pay money for a service, you are not the costumer, you are the product.
Wow, thank you a.d.o.
PS I will ask Chatgpt and Gemini to pay me for being their product. hehe
A.D.O. if LLMs are such a hassle, I will hire Liam Neesom. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQGbsxVpgpyZnJndNDVTORnYF3FKORZ1ZklQPTNz6J_1W7mbuLiBdj52TlsGmaU9WFTmhQ&usqp=CAU
https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F1s4n9meerl251.jpg
Embed retrial
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQGbsxVpgpyZnJndNDVTORnYF3FKORZ1ZklQPTNz6J_1W7mbuLiBdj52TlsGmaU9WFTmhQ&usqp=CAU
“There is certainly a strong correlation between a government lying to its citizens and the success of conspiracy theories.”
Indeed we are lately running out of conspiracy theories.
I would say as long as we do not run out of lying and mistrust in “authorities”, we will not run out of conspiracy theories neither.
We have not even gotten to the David Icke stuff yet 😉
Its always been like this I’m sure, Joe.
Humans just got smart about labelling this and that , and everything else. But in the end, we all have 5 senses (well some people more some people less) , my point is we don’t really process those senses the same, i mean take for instance
idiot savants, aphantasiacs, synethesiacs and dyslexics, and those are just the extreme cases but the day to day differences like me and karl, or i7sharp and gian, Ireneo & Micha, andrew & chempo, MRP & kb, etc. etc. will be slight, though I’m sure we’d all prefer San Miguels and Karaoke , and would equally enjoy Mango Ave just the same if we were all to meet there(well maybe except for Micha).
but that’s my point, we will always differ. if anything our ability to consolidate and coalesce is probably the problem here, not the opposite. I like variety and thrive in differences in opinions. I love it, Joe. I really do.
Twitter before was boring for me, but now under Elon Musk I love it, and everyone that leaves tend to be of the consolidation and coalescing mentality, eg. folks who like echo chambers, hello helllloooooooo helloooooooooooooooooo. easily offended. group thinkers.
in the end, its this:
The question is, are debates of differences used well, to make people smarter or happier or richer. Or are they used to make people angrier or more destructive. We share the planet and our home towns with others who are different. The US used to welcome immigrants, now it hates them. UK and much of Europe the same. Where are we going with this? Back to Hitler? Thrilled by hate like Hamas? I don’t think we have been here before, actually. Yes we have always argued. But I’ve never witnessed so much hate. I suppose the monkeys in 2001 hated well. So, yes, maybe that’s the sameness we are cycling into.
Hate sure in social media, but in real life I don’t think theres more. there is more crimes but that’s mostly due to criminal justice being re calibrated thus offenders are released and no more going back to prison.
But I think though i’d be too young that late 70s and early 80s were more violent eg. hateful times. people are comfortable. is my point.
As to welcoming immigrants, i mean there are literally tens of thousands of them, Joe. lately, its hundreds and hundreds of Africans. how are they getting here? I’m sure Russia via Wagner et al are funding some or most of their rides.
Mexican illegal immigration has consistently been down. i think since the late 2000s. so Trump had it right make Mexico our southern wall. under Trump illegal immigration was stopped pretty at Mexico’s southern border.
now that just makes a lot of sense. if theres too much illegal immigration the whole country suffers.
Legal immigration is legal, and the allotments are recalibrated yearly. Thousands and thousands. The Mexican boarder is a problem for sure. California has a different take than Texas but I suppose Texas is more religious. Illegals do some of the farm work in California and I personally appreciate having food. Immigrants have been objectified as hateful by Stephen Miller, one of the creepiest critters south of Bannon. And it is being politicized in the politics of hate that is the launch pad of MAGA and fascists everywhere. Biden can fix Mexico *reasonably well* but it’s so sticky that, even if he did, he’d be roasted.
I think Trump got one thing right, that’s the southern border. whatever deal he had with Mexico in which Mexico kept its own southern border closed to illegals , that policy needs to be reinstated.
The other thing that Trump did right, though I’m sure not him but mostly at the behest of the Gulf Arab states was the Abraham accords which seems (inspite of Gaza) still holding.
Biden could totally return to Trump’s Mexico as our border wall. especially now post China decoupling in which Mexico stands to gain tremendously. he thinks he’ll lose the Hispanic votes,
when actually the Hispanic votes are more concerned about abortion laws (them being Catholics and such).
My point is, he won’t get roasted Joe, he’ll yank the border politics right from underneath the GOP simply by returning to Trump’s Mexico as wall.
and all the GOP will have is abortion (and all this anti-woke stuff) which is pretty weak. so yank it from them, Joe.
Here is a thorough summary of President Biden’s immigration policies and proposals. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/01/11/key-facts-about-u-s-immigration-policies-and-bidens-proposed-changes/
“The US used to welcome immigrants, now it hates them.”
I don’t understand why some folks keep saying his.
The US still welcomes legal immigration.
Not this. This is an invasion. This is a policy of treason.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTfN2dXSSXIhTxZ7bXwf7–p5ovsNaixH0gXg&usqp=CAU
It is not a policy of treason. It is a global problem that western countries are dealing with as needy people seek relief from their failed states in countries that previously welcomed foreigners. Inflaming the discussion does not lead to rational solutions.
Thanks, Joe. A lot of people work with what suits them best in their daily lives.
Means a lot are like Flat Earthers, and in my daily life now, I could afford to not care about the earth’s curvature. Nowadays, I don’t cross time zones as I fly, watching the sun rise quicker when I fly towards the Philippines to Europe or sink faster when I go the other direction. I don’t stand on top of Madeira, fascinated at how the earth does curve towards the horizon, wondering if Columbus stood at the same spot with the same clear crisp autumn view.
I don’t live near Munich train station anymore, so I don’t NEED to wonder what made Syrians arrive en masse there in August 2015, or Africans trickle in during the years after that.
OK, the Greeks knew the earth was round, so I guess I don’t want to be too ignorant.
Still, why should I care if the Sun revolves around the Earth or the other way around? Sometimes, the Philippine political scene revolves around itself as if there was little else.
What do we actually know? A lot and yet little. We know that time usually doesn’t stretch. Though it allegedly does when we approach light speed. It is proven by Gödel that even math can’t prove all truths, and as we know, even math has to rely on assumptions called axioms. Don’t really care if someone believes in God, as belief is in the unprovable realm and belief is OK unless it harms others. Worlds lie between Will Villanueva and Valentin de los Santos.
The latter’s group believed that bullets could not harm them while the former’s group doesn’t. Their spiritual armor is their way of dealing with difficult times, something that I truly respect.
After all before I met Will, I believed my father’s adage that real men don’t pray, they act. Probably like he did when he had a meeting with students at Palma Hall regarding the movie “Last Temptation of Christ” but allegedly left the room to have ensaymada at the cafeteria. Therefore he who was at that time Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy AND an MTCRB member allegedly didn’t know if his students showed the banned movie then.
Did they or not is like Schrödinger’s cat. You can’t know if you weren’t there. No witnesses to whether my father had a cat with him while eating ensaymada. Maybe it watched the movie. That would make it a sinful cat. But quantum mechanics does not deal with good and evil.
I was going to commit to becoming a flat earther a few years back because it would be a great mental exercise of the kind LCX enjoys, and is very good at. But I decided it would make me a fraud so didn’t deploy.
I think once you’ve flown in planes its pretty difficult to argue for flat earth. But aliens and UFOs and temporal and inter intra dimensional beings is a lot more productive. lots of witness testimony not so much data though, except maybe for the radar data from Chief Kevin Day (USS Princeton tictac UFO incident 2004) and Jack Bushong (1994 Michigan UFO event, he was the NWS metereologist), everything else seems classified. But if you look thru UFO/aliens lens that Flatearth theory comes alive, like that movie the Truman show. so I think becoming flatearther is still viable, Joe.
Thanks, fellow alien.
some good alien reading:
Click to access AB%20Losch%20fin.pdf
I got only a B in philosophy in college, the highest grade in our class, because I could not comprehend Kant. I appreciate this piece as it translates him into my kind of English. Yet it remains thick, and too obscure for my lazy mind these days. I don’t watch videos, as they are a highly inefficient medium that I can’t speed read. Anyhow, if Kant does not oppose the idea of God, I don’t see why I should either.
Difficult to contextualize political truth as objective because people’s perceptions, biases and prejudices are formed by so many factors. Take as an example the Israeli war in Gaza; both sides claim legitimacy to defend their ancient territory and it’s lost in the fog of war the possibility of settling the question of who owns what and how. In such a situation, you can’t bring in a sciency empirical approach of where exactly is the border for the state of Israel. It’s a fluid line. The path to peaceful coexistence solely defends on their willingness to live side by side with their neighbors of different religious persuasion. Absent that, it will be a war of hellish attrition all the way.
Genocide.
States and borders are human constructs ànd as such formed by beliefs.
Even money is based on the common belief that it has value.
Where can one find common ground if core beliefs don’t coincide?
There is no common ground between myself and a thief, for instance.
I believe I own the stuff that is mine while he believes something else.
Thing is, we don’t know exactly what discussions Joe was referring to.
I’m referring to the MAGA platform that is built on uninformed beliefs. It is similar to DDS beliefs which are framed on lies as well.
I was told many people drank bleach to cure covid.
Was that true Joe ?
If it was then that is my exhibit A to support your argument.
Fine line between a charismatic leader and a cult leader like leader.
Not a lot I think. But some. Trump said injecting bleach would work. Nutty as a fruitcake.
Thanks, there you go, Exhibit A.
The Left says men can get pregnant. No more San Miguel for me.
Pardon me chemp if my question sounded not smart like when I asked if you moved the US.
Karl, if you’ve seen my FB posts you should understand my views on the New World Order and globalists march for power grab. My interest in US politics is simply because the country has a major influence in NWO. Which side of the political aisle is pro and which side is anti-globalists is no secret.
I am outright anti-globalist and I share an illustration of my frustration in this in my response to a vid clip of recent WEF summit.
……………….
“You got the name wrong. That elite is not Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan. He is Singapore’s illegitimate President Tharman Shanmugaratam.
I say he is illegitimate because he stood for election in violation of our Constitution which forbids public officials to hold any foreign appointment. He held many international appointments which he vacated except one, as a Board Member in WEF Trustee.
Pre-election, netizens and an activist queried him but he adamantly insisted he will not vacate the WEF seat. A petition to Electoral Board was rejected without comments. An activist’s case before the courts was dead on arrival.
Post-election, the government amended the Constitution to allow public officials to hold certain foreign appointment which covered Tharman’s WEF seat. To add insult to injury, the legislation has retroactive effect. The ruling party has more than 2/3 majority in parliament and can ram anything through.
When Klaus Schwab said WEF has infiltrated many governments, he wasn’t boasting.”
……………………
@ chemrock , KG , Sir JoeAm
US politics is quite unique and interesting !
ISK, the supreme court nominee could not answer the senator when asked to define the word “woman”. So this is what Chemp’s comment was all about or quite related to it. Thank you ISK for giving meaning to it. At least I was enlightened.
To Chempo.
I explored further on the association of Davos to NWO
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, is an annual gathering of influential figures from the worlds of business, politics, academia, and civil society. The forum’s stated mission is to “improve the state of the world” by fostering dialogue and collaboration on global issues.
The concept of a “New World Order” has been associated with the WEF in recent years, often with negative connotations. This can be attributed to several factors:
The WEF’s focus on globalization and international cooperation: Some critics see this as a threat to national sovereignty and traditional ways of life.
The perceived elitism of the WEF: The forum is often accused of being a meeting place for the world’s “one percent,” and its agenda seen as serving the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of ordinary people.
The WEF’s proposals for radical change: In recent years, the WEF has called for major changes to the global economic system, such as a shift towards a more sustainable and equitable model. These proposals have been met with skepticism and resistance from some quarters.
It is important to note that there is no single, agreed-upon definition of the “New World Order.” Some use the term to describe a specific conspiracy theory, while others use it more broadly to refer to any major shift in the global order, such as the end of the Cold War or the rise of China.
The WEF itself has denied any involvement in a conspiracy to create a New World Order. However, the forum has acknowledged that the world is facing a number of significant challenges, such as climate change, income inequality, and political polarization. The WEF argues that these challenges can only be addressed through global cooperation and a willingness to embrace change.
Whether or not you agree with the WEF’s agenda, it is clear that the forum is a powerful and influential force in the world. The annual meeting in Davos provides a platform for leaders from all sectors to discuss the most pressing global issues and to seek solutions. While some may fear a “New World Order,” others see the WEF as a vital force for progress in a complex and interconnected world.
Here are some additional points to consider:
The WEF is not a monolithic entity. There is a wide range of views and opinions represented among the forum’s participants.
The WEF’s agenda is not set in stone. The forum is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs of the world.
The WEF is not the only organization working to improve the state of the world. There are many other organizations and individuals who are also working towards this goal.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe the WEF is a force for good in the world. However, it is important to be informed about the forum’s work and to engage in constructive dialogue about the future of our planet.
Karl
Would you have said something like that? Of course not, unless i is in jest.
Would a public figure say that? Of course not, not even in private jest knowing it will be picked up and mis-quoted.
Did Trump say that? Depends on where you get your news.
His comments came after William Bryan, the undersecretary for science and technology at the Department of Homeland Security, presented a study that found sun exposure and cleaning agents like bleach can kill the virus when it lingers on surfaces.
Trump remarked on the effectiveness of those methods and wondered if they could help address infections in the human body.
His actual words:
“A question that probably some of you are thinking of if you’re totally into that world, which I find to be very interesting. So, supposedly we hit the body with a tremendous, whether it’s ultraviolet or just very powerful light, and I think you said that hasn’t been checked, but you’re going to test it. And then I said supposing you brought the light inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way. (To Bryan) And I think you said you’re going to test that, too. Sounds interesting, right?
And then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning, because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it’d be interesting to check that, so that you’re going to have to use medical doctors with, but it sounds interesting to me. So, we’ll see, but the whole concept of the light, the way it kills it in one minute. That’s pretty powerful.”
Later, Trump clarified his comments after a reporter asked Bryan whether disinfectants could actually be injected into COVID-19 patients.
“It wouldn’t be through injections, almost a cleaning and sterilization of an area. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t work, but it certainly has a big effect if it’s on a stationary object.”
Who cares about the truth right?
Men can get pregnant and by the way Trump didn’t say that. Must be true.
Thanks for taking time to explain Chempo.
Out of curiosity, Chemp. Are you vaccinated against covid? Any boosters? You don’t have to answer as medical care is private. But it would help me understand the context of rationalizing Trump’s dangerous comments away. I’m vaccinated and boosted once, and my one experience with covid was very mild. I know statistics indicate that the “anti-vaccine” movement cost the lives of some 200,000 Americans largely in states where Republicans used the argument against “woke” vaccines imposed on them by a totalitarian Biden state.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10123459/
And this. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/red-blue-america-glaring-divide-covid-19-death/story?id=83649085
Ah, I found the article you may have quoted from. Exact same quotes. Austin American Statesman. The next paragraph said “Trump did not explicitly recommend ingesting a disinfectant like bleach. Nevertheless, his remarks led some companies and state agencies to issue warnings about ingesting disinfectants. The maker of Lysol said in a statement that “under no circumstance” should its products be used in the human body.”
It was not taken as a benign joking statement. He was President, throwing out dirt because he did not understand the disease and had no idea how to control it.
Re vaccination:
Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and make up their own mind. The authorities are entitled to make the call they deem fit. But vaccination must never be forced. directly or indirectly. That is what I object about the vaccine rollout.
I never wanted to vaccinate, for reasons I explain below. I am not a vaccine denier, only mRNA kind. So I put off vaccination for as long as I could and lived with the inconveniences as the unwanted during lockdowns. Due to need to travel I had to vaccinate. I will never have mRNA vaccine. So I put off until Sinovac is available. Even then, I put off Sinovac when it was initially not government sponsored. When it was finally free, which was many months after vaccination program started, only then I went for the jab. Sinovac is inactivated vaccine. I never went for any boosters, despite reminders and visits by officials.
The decision not to vaccinate is all mine, nothing to do with MAGA and misinformation. The reasoning is very simple. Why take a risk with an unproven vaccine, on top of that an unproven technology, for a risk that was initially given as 0.03% fatality.
I had my doubts on the pandemic and vaccine from the very beginning. I understood the nanotechnology behind it prior to the pandemic, the patent battles. When the inventor of the PCR tests said his invention was not meant to, and cannot determine presence of virus, and the father of mRNA methodology said that it is not proven and dangerous, I paid attention and did my research. PCR indeed caused all the false positives, and viola, billions had the Covid. By the way, both inventors were totally blocked out by mainstream media.
By now much of the contentions of the pandemic and mRNA vaccines have been confirmed. Conspiracy theories no more, although many still refuse to see the light. Today PCR is no more (it has served well to create the panic), ivermectin is allowed.
From the very beginning I saw through Fauci’s machinations at circular confirmation. The very first Lancet Report that SAR-Cov2 was zoonotic and not a lab leak had 2 problems. Dr Peter Daszak – President of EcoHealth Alliance and Dr Ralph Baric – Professor in University of North Carolina, inventor of technique to obtain the corona virus chimera, and a young medical researcher whose name I have forgotten. The whole purpose of the medical report signed by more than 10 doctors was so Fauci could wave it in the Congressional Inquiry.
Drs Baric and Daszak were all involved in the research work in Wuhan. They were members of the WHO team that went to investigate Wuhan lab.
The young researcher was the first to raise the alarm SARS-Cov2 cannot be zoonotic – therefore created in a lab. So why did he flip? Elementary – all about research grants.
Many of the other scientists who signed the infamous Lancet Report have since withdrawn their name.
Where are we today? Excess deaths, as conspiracy doctors warned very early. There is a co-relation of countries with high vaccination rates having highest excess deaths. Singapore has one of the highest vac rate. There were 4 quarters in a row in 2022/2023 when we had the highest excess death rate worldwide of +30%. Can’t argue with this statistic.
I had covid before my jab. Never go doctor or hospital. Just Vit D3, sunshine and rest. I was fine after 5 days and normal about 8 days. No panic, no drama.
After jab, had covid again. This time, very mild. Just 4 days. I think my innate immune sys worked.
Joe, you said you jabbed, then you had covid which was very mild. The implication is vaccine worked. This is a false cause fallacy. Because you simply do not know how you would have fared had you not taken the jab. (There is another term for this kid of fallacy - something you cannot prove either way. I hv forgotten the term)
To be sure, my mild case is not scientific proof of covid vaccine effectiveness. My son, from whom I got the disease, had no booster and had it rough. My wife, who got the booster, had it mild. These are just our facts. I’ve presented data on the deadly effect of not getting vaccinated during a pandemic. These are scientific truths. Yes, it should be an individual’s right to vaccinate or not, as it should be a company’s right to require staff to have vaccines, or resign. The official position of the US government is that there is no proof certain of a lab leak, and that, also, is a fact.
“…the MAGA platform that is built on uninformed beliefs. It is similar to DDS beliefs which are framed on lies as well.”
As an outsider, I really do not understand what is wrong about making America great again.
There ain’ t no white supremacist MAGA with a machine gun mowing down people in subways. For 3 years FBI, HLS and DOJ waited in vain for such an event for the excuse to come down hard on MAGA and their guns. They are disapointed the few mass shootings have been by queer folks whose brain has been messed by the gender suppression pills they consume.
A comparison to DDS seems strange. There has been no MAGA talk of killing anybody.
I believe folks here, myself included, all believe in Making Philippines Great Again.
chemp, MAGA is Jan. 6 now unlike the BLM take overs of police precincts not as violent in comparison. and as I’ve stated here already Jan. 6 was a crowd control issue, eg. had they had enough personnel and barriers there wouldn’t have been a Jan. 6.
But I have to disagree with you, MAGA isn’t just Make America Great Again, but like a big tent circus with a bunch of other ideologies usually fringe under it. and yes potential for violence is there becuz of that.
surely, BLM and LGBTQplus will have its share of this violent potential but MAGA is no walk in the park either. sorry to bust your bubble here.
The silver lining to all this is that Left and Right violence potential met each other at Kenosha with both sides carrying weapons and no one fired, except for Kyle Rittenhouse.
ps. they wanted to hang Mike Pence during Jan. 6.
Then there’s the other side of the Jan 6 event, the whole sale portrayal of Mr. Trump supporters as villains.
Most Trump supporters are ignorant or angry. Not villains. That’s my belief. Trump and people out to take down US democracy, which is most Republican legislators, are the villains.
Wait and watch. Jan 6 was just the prequel. Killed folks.
I would add that MAGA is a white Christian nationalist movement that sees Disney, gays, pregnant women, people of color, Muslims, and books like dictionaries as enemies of their aspiring fascist state. I am in awe when people of color like a whole lot of Filipinos advocate for these policies, and when ordinarily intelligent people fall into line with the sloganeering, conspiracies, emotionalism, and ruthlessness of the power state.
From what I can see, MAGA, conservatives and Christians have no problems to coexist with these Culturally Different folks. It is only when the CDs maximise their minority victimhood and aggressively want to take over social spaces that the push backs are now all out and gloves off. I mean I don’t know what you will do, but if my kid goes to school and drag queens cozy up to hi, or he reads porn in class, hell I know what I will do.
MAGA, conservative and Christian rallies have all been generally peaceful. We foreigners observe that.
There is a new phenomenon in US workplace called “Quiet Quitting”. Where smarter more deserving Whites are passed over for promotion in the name of DEI, they switch off. The economic damage will not be obvious for years.
Well, again, you exaggerate to inflame and that is not a search for solutions. The US spent decades battling to grant equality to people of color, of whom you are one, women, handicapped, and gays. Also a woman’s right to make medical decisions that affect her life. MAGA are rolling these freedoms back, inflaming the discussion, using “woke”, which means enlightened, as a pejorative, and blaming Biden for all ills of the nation, even those that they fomented. As I said, I stand in awe of the rationalizations you deploy to defend this, and your penchant to dirty the data to inflame and mislead. It’s why I wrote this blog. You are one of millions who does not approach the debate in good faith searching for solutions, but enters it to name-call and dirty the data. Truly, I am in awe.
Your emotionalism is showing, Joe.
Go research how many times Biden used the N word.
Bill Maher the celebrated Liberal, puts it most succinctly. Where are all those Liberals of yore? Can’t recognise them anymore.
Hence the new term woke.
Bill Maher is a liberal gone south. Creepy man who stopped being funny years ago. And I don’t run errands for cranks.
Can I ask you Joe, what is the definition of insurrection?
Sure. If you will give me the total number of years in jail Jan 6 participants have been gifted with so far.
Here’s a recent article to get you started.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/3-years-jan-6-numbers-1200-charged-460/story?id=106140326
Chempo, Had some time on my hands. I note that the main Jan 6 convicts got jailed for seditious conspiracy. So I asked Bard how that differs from insurrection.
What is the difference between seditious conspiracy and insurrection
Both seditious conspiracy and insurrection have to do with opposing the government, but they differ in key ways:
Seditious Conspiracy:
Intent: Involves planning or agreeing to overthrow the government using force. This can be through speeches, written materials, or meetings where the intent is discussed.
Action: No overt action is required. Just planning or agreeing is enough for charges to be brought.
Example: If a group of people meet to discuss and agree to use violence to prevent the certification of election results, that could be considered seditious conspiracy.
Insurrection:
Action: Involves actively using force or violence to defy or overthrow the government. This can include storming buildings, attacking officials, or disrupting government functions.
Intent: While intent often plays a role in proving insurrection, it’s not necessarily the core element. Even if participants claim they didn’t intend to overthrow the government, their actions themselves might constitute insurrection.
Example: The attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021 is considered an insurrection.
Here’s an analogy:
Seditious conspiracy is like planning a robbery. You discuss the plan, gather tools, and maybe even choose a target, but you haven’t actually committed the crime yet.
Insurrection is like carrying out the robbery. You break into the building, threaten people, and steal what you came for.
Additional Points:
Seditious conspiracy and insurrection are both serious federal crimes in the United States.
Proving both crimes can be complex, and the specific elements required may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
The line between the two can sometimes be blurry, and prosecutors may charge both offenses simultaneously.
“Wait and watch. Jan 6 was just the prequel. Killed folks.”
Only 5 or 6 killed. Demonstrators killed by police in excessive use of force. One denied attempts at CPR by fellow demonstrators. One shot at close range when she was in fact trying to others from, breaching the door.
They were so happy when a policeman died. They got the martyr to hang MAGA. So they were quick to tell Americans Officer Brian Sicknick suffered blows to the head from a fire extinguisher. Turns out he had a heart attack.
Question: Why did the J6 Committee destroy all evidence of the inquiry?
Question: Why FBI cannot apprehend the bomber?
Here’s the facts about the bomber. It’s a Charlie Foxtrot that will see light of day one day.
The bombs were never meant to detonate. It has now been identified as looking like those used in FBI training.
Video showed he slipped into a subway. FBI was able to track the fare card used. Security footage showed he alighted at Northern Virgina Metro stn. Surveillance showed he got into a vehicle. FBI has the number plate. FBI surveillance staked out the house for a few days. Finally the team requested for permission to bring him in for questioning. That’s when FBI top brass pulled the team out and re-assigned to go after grandmas and grandpas who entered the Capitol.
Team leader Kyle Seraphin turned whistleblower and now Jim Jordan has the receipts. They know who the bomber is. A retired Air Force chief master sergeant who is now working as a contractor with a security clearance.
The bomb is inoperable. It is obviously intended as a false flag for propaganda against MAGA.
I have no doubt these are not facts to you. I don’t know whether another false flag initiated, planned and executed by Deep State FBI which has been exposed in the courts are facts to you. This is the kidnaping of Gov Whitmar, meant to build up MAGA and white supremacists narrative.
Truly, I stand in awe. it takes only one death to be tragic, if he’s your father. So callous. So uncaring. Such a dirrrrty post. Jim Jordan is a very sick man, in my estimation. Those are definitely not facts to me and I suggest you seek counseling.
Re insurrection
Thk u for Bard’s education on insurrection.
In case u have not noticed, none of those arrested and charged or incarcerated have been charged with insurrection.
An act that prevents gov official from performing their duties is a serious felony. Rep Jamaal Bowman pulled the fire alarm to force Congress to evacuate to prevent a vote on government funding. DOJ think that’s only a joke. Strange. I wonder if that has anything to do with which party one is from.
No one is arguing that those who entered the Capitol illegally needs to be punished. (Video shows many innocently walked in, ushered by police). The severity of punishment is the issue. As a foreigner we can see the intent is to put fear in MAGA. In other words, the law is weaponized.
Nope. It’s laws at work. You beat a guard, you go to jail. You break and enter, you go to jail. Lawbreakers should be afraid.
Did I not said those who enter illegally should face the consequences?
Who beat the guards? Not helpful to promote misinformation. No one has been charged for beating guards.
Splitting hairs. It was violent and dangerous. People can view the videos and know you are rich with spin and deceit.
Republican Senator McConnell called Jan 6 an insurrection.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/capitol-breached-protesters/story?id=75081629
Why did Liz Chenney and Bernie Thomson destroy evidence? Why not show everyone the violence? Why not show police being beaten? How many thousand hours of video captured and which parts are played for the public? Why the panic and howl when the full video was handed to Tucker Carlson … questions only for non-partisan enquiring minds.
MAGA minds come up with this stuff. Liars, con-men, insurrectionists, treasonous thieves of state documents, racists, sex perverts, nasty people interested in destruction. You are with them. You deal in dirty data and slime. It is your world now. You are a foreigner provoking bad ideas and bad deeds. Twisting facts. Slandering decent people. Citing Tucker Carlson and Jim Jordan, two of the most despicable people on the planet. You are modern man, worse than global warming, sick to the soul. Truly an embarrassment to the principles of this blog which aspires toward honor, not deceit.
Wow, shots fired.
Ad hominens is the refuge from inconvenient facts.
“I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left.”
An uncomfortable truth is not ad hominem for being uncomfortable. The fact is you deal in dirt. You don’t deal in good faith, by simple standards of truth and earnest discovery. Why, only you know. But you deal it, I’ll provide the counter view because my kids have to live in the civil world you and MAGA are trying to destroy.
Easy to say untruth without addressing my points. One wave of your hand, and it’s lies, because you say so. The final arbiter. A kerfuffle. Next you ban, or cancel, the Left’s weapon of choice.
No, I don’t control bans anymore. Gian does. I’ve posted some corrections. You ignore them and keep dumping dirt from your trolls treasure chest. I need not trail behind you shoveling your shit into a wheelbarrow. Readers know.
“You beat a guard, you go to jail. ”
You should qualify it.
Applicable to MAGA only.
Not applicable to BLM
And new non-citizen lumpen mass of voters Dems are bringing in from all over the world. Like these guy.
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
If you put three or more links in a comment, the system won’t publish it until it’s been reviewed.
When you said :
“Wait and watch. Jan 6 was just the prequel. Killed folks.”
in the context of the thread, you meant to sustain your point of a violent threat from MAGA, in response to my view that past 3 years have shown conservative demonstrations have generally been peaceful.
I think LCX mentioned Kyle Rittenhouse, but he was disingenuous not to mention it was self-defence and he has been cleared by the court.
No conspiracies, all facts.
………………………..
When I pointed out only 5 or 6 died it was in the context of thread that MAGA is a violent threat, you said :
“Truly, I stand in awe. it takes only one death to be tragic, if he’s your father. So callous. So uncaring. Such a dirrrrty post.”
I put the facts out. Officer Sidnick died of heart attack. Ashli Babbit shot by police at close range of 2 metres when she was trying to dissuade demonstrators from entering, Rossane Boyland crushed by crowd and police prevented fellow demonstrators from helping her with cpr, Elderly demonstrators Kevin Greeson and Benjamin Phillips died of heart attack.
Each death is of course. a tragedy. I merely pointed out the facts MAGA didn’t kill or maim anyone, no cars were burnt ala Portland or 2017 Trump inauguration. We foreigners can see clearly which side the violence in US is coming from.
You disregarded the facts and went for ad hominem.
…………………….
I brought out the curious case of the pipe bomber, he has been identified and Jim Jordan has the receipts, you said :
“Jim Jordan is a very sick man, in my estimation. Those are definitely not facts to me and I suggest you seek counseling.”
Instead of saying let Congressional inquiry get to the bottom of the mystery why the best investigative agency in the world can track down a J6 grandma but cannot apprehend the pipe bomber, you went for character assignation.
Why is Jordan sick? What transgressions has he been guilty of? Like Liz Chenney and Bernie Thomson destroying evidence, or Jamaal Bowman activating alarm bells?
………………………
Where is the non partisan and analytical Joe of yore.
Every rebuttal of Liberals and Dems, and every thrust of conservative points, are met with emotional, nay even hysterical, outbursts. Andrew Lim’s purity was befitting pause and reflect moment wasted.
I asked my bookie Sal to take a survey of readers of the blog to discern what people think happened to the Chemrock who wrote such brilliant, fact filled articles for the blog and now rides in citing conspiracy theories and MAGA tropes, the strangest of beliefs and dirtiest of facts. The results are fascinating, but as Sal is drunk half the time, I can’t vouch for the methodology.
Only 3% believed Chemrock is ignorant, that is, unread, as are most MAGA cult members. About 12% guessed Chemmy is working for China as a part of their US destabilization effort. Singaporean, all that. A full 48% believes Chem is working for Russia because his tropes follow the pattern of Russian trolls and bots. 16% speculated that he was captured by the cult and only lives today within the MAGA echo chamber. Another 12% thought Chempo had business relationships that would benefit from a Trump presidency. 9% figured you actually had correct data and earnest intentions.
I think I have been vindicated. Ad hominems for every inconvenient fact.
Sense doesn’t work.
Your analysis is out of step with the facts presented in courts and the jail sentences handed out.
Here, read this. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/two-be-sentenced-roles-jan-6-attack-us-capitol-police-officer-2023-01-27/
A fish cannot see the water it is swimming in. We foreigners can see the weaponization of the law that is going on. It is of course perfectly OK for Jamaal Bowman to activate the fire alarm.
MAGA trope again. Diversion. Fallacious argument.
Here’s Ashli Babbitt, the woman shot, totally innocent victim, you say. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/ashli-babbitt-jan-6-insurrectionist-portrayed-as-martyr-by-some-had-violent-past
And Wiki.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Ashli_Babbitt
You are so full of it.
Trump killed Ashli Babbitt. MAGA killed Ashli Babbitt.
Ashli Babit murder ….. the video don’t lie.
In the video I saw, she was shot trying to get through the window as legislators behind the guard were rushing out to find safety from the attacking mob. The guard shooting her is credited with doing his job to protect them. He gave them time to get out. Understand who the good guys and bad guys are in this scene. Stop making the criminals the victims.
The only way the criminals can be held as good is if you believe overthrow of a US election is somehow noble. That, of course, would make you a foreigner abetting overthrow of the US government. Take care with that, for sure. That’s some serious shit.
Don’t know which video u saw. It’s the door, not window.
You are not addressing the context of the importance of the video. The happy trigger cop’s defence was he thought he saw Babbit holding a weapon. The video showed Babbit was just 2 metres right in front of him, in his line of sight. She was unarmed and trying to stop others from breaching the door. I would have found it more acceptable had he said accidental discharge. (This cop is so careful handling weapons he once left his gun in a public rest room. )
“Stop making the criminals the victims” … Cops Derek Chauvin and Thomas Lane went to prison while George Floyd is canonised.
Not to rile u, but I’m sure it unfortunately would, an interesting development went mostly unreported. In an entirely unrelated sexual harassment and discrimination case by Hennepin County prosecutor Amy Sweasy against Attorney Mike Freeman the trial discovery revealed a conversation between Sweasy and Hennepin County Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker the day after Floyd’s death. Dr. Baker reportedly said that there were “no medical findings that showed any injury to the vital structures of Mr. Floyd’s neck. There were no medical indications of asphyxia or strangulation.”–
The town was on fire and no one dared to say or do anything against Floyd. Let the good guys be the bad ones.
This new info was brought to SCOTUS to review which has been rejected without explanation.
The door had a window pane. They broke it and she was crawling in. He shot her in the shoulder. You don’t read the stuff I post in response to your dirt? You don’t rile me by posting irrelevant nonsense to cover your sloppy, misleading posts.
I said MAGA never attacked police and you provided the link re Julian Khater (to shut me up). And that should be the way. Not ad hominems.
Remember media (which of course took their lead from police) initially tried to pin Khater and George Tanios the rap of hurling fire extinguisher on Sidnick which killed him. Khater was pepper sprayed by police and he returned spray. Thank goodness MAGA demonstrators don’t carry guns.
Khater deserves to be charged. But I think the sentence is disproportionately excessive. 6-1/2 years. Second degree murder sentences sometimes receive a lesser sentence.
I can’t keep pace with the volume of your untruths. You’ve been compiling them for years and I don’t live in crazyville.
Inconvenient facts.
chemp, re disingenuous and Rittenhouse I’ve already covered that here: https://joeam.com/2022/05/12/filipinos-and-unity/#comment-461595 same with the shooting of Babbitt by LT. Mike Byrd in which I stated awhile back that it doesn’t comply with police lethal force policies, none of which justifies that shooting, eg. no immedieat threat to life of anyone just some woman climbing thru glass. Joe and I already discussed that though I can’t find the link. BUT my input here is MAGA did attack capitol police theres videos of them bear spraying cops, squeezing them with doors, etc. lots of capitol police were injured. but theres also videos of capitol police throwing rioters off 2 story walls. police in riot control situation are still constrained by use of force policy. so i tend to side with chempo’s take here , but totally disagree that MAGA was not violent. as for Capitol police excessive force yes you can justify some acts due to being overrun, but shooting point blank w/out immediate threat of life shoulda been an easy conviction if it was any other police dept.
Your armchair should have been in the capitol that day.
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/14/politics/capitol-hill-lawmakers-security-concerns/index.html
https://time.com/6301285/january-6-capitol-trauma-trump-arraignment/
And on and on.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tucker-carlson-january-6-senate-republicans-thom-tillis-kevin-cramer-mitch-mcconell/
Lethal force is only authorize on 3 (maybe 4) occasions, Joe. that’s to protect yourself and others from imminent threat of death andor serious injury. next is for a fleeing felon like a murderer. the third is to prevent a situation that would surely result in death andor serious injury. the fourth, police can shoot animals that are blocking road ways etc. i guess cuz they’re seen as property. also to prevent suffering of animal like in traffic accidents but the intent really i think is to clear the road. those are the 4 , joe. the closest here is the 3rd which is to prevent a situation that will result in death and or serious injuries. but for this to be justified babbitt herself has to have exhibited the violence that Lt. Byrd is attempting to stymie. from all indications Babbitt was unarmed no videos of her being violent she was simply breaking entering sure a crime in and of itself but a crime not necessitating lethal force. so none of those justifies his shooting of babbitt , joe. if he was a civilian (like the rooftop Koreans in the LA riots) or a security guard sure he could get out scott free since the threshold for them is much lower, but a trained police officer is trained when and how to use force and specifically lethal force has levels. if you remember in his interview he was simply talking about what if babbitt and everyone gets in. well thats fine and dandy but you have to have imminent threat, again this goes back to your current blog of beliefs and evidence, Joe. LT Byrd had belief but without evidence to justify his use of deadly force all he had was a woman climbing thru a door during a riot. again no weapons no nothing, just a woman climbing thru a door attempting entrance. at the very least Lt. Byrd should stand trial. at the very least, JOE. any cop in the same place as him with similar video evidence will have to stand trial.
Your belief is your belief. Nothing I can do to inform it otherwise. If you are that guard, a loud angry mob smashing in, and behind you are important people fleeing for their lives, you do your job. That’s what investigations showed he did. If you are trying to teach a lesson for similar circumstances, great. If you are preaching because you feel inspired at your pulpit, suit yourself. All God’s children got needs.
Ireneo,
What is up with this Munich October fest Devils Wheel thing? i get that s titillating but is it some sort of old contraption and some kinda tradition thats been handed down thru generations of Octoberfest?
i like it , it seems like good wholesome fun with a little looksy bonus. With all the hate in social media I wish there were more videos like this, and also more cat videos. same thing really.
there should be a Devils Wheel in every festival here and at every fiesta there. i’ve always had this theory that all women were exhibitionists, the only variable is safety. provide that
and they’ll happily dutifully show you theirs.
Provide the safety and an excuse and there you’ll have it. i know every big city barangay fiesta has bikini contests but something about a long skirt makes for more fun IMHO.
gian, feel free to censure if this is offensive, but to tie it to the current blog, there has to be more fun damnit. especially for the ladies , they are having fun. thank you, girls. Munich here I come!
Just checked, the Devil’s Wheel has been in existence since 1910, so it has survived two world wars and started when Bavaria was still a Kingdom.
There is indeed a controversy about people making upskirting videos.
Though the Bavarian Dirndl for women is already sexualized in that it shows cleavage and is a bit like a push-up bra.
The Bavarian lederhosen and men’s socks are supposed to show what is supposed to be sexy for a man to have over here, strong calves.
The toboggan has been around forever as well, basically a series of belts one has to go up and usually you end up slipping.
Aside from that you have the usual fairground stuff – crazy rides for aspiring astronauts, bumpcars, hammer tests of strength, all kinds of food stalls, the “tents” which are huge wooden beer houses.. cops, medics, fire brigade, lost and found, security people..
I know the Oktoberfest a bit too well so I didn’t stay long the past few years, besides being indoors a lot during the pandemic means I still need to get used to crowds again.
This year of course might be different, life is going back to normal, guests are welcome. There is an Old Oktoberfest section of the festival where everything looks like in the 1950s and the tents only play old music. The modern tents have party music during the evening including one major influence that is a legacy of American postwar presence in Bavaria, Country Roads. You will also have Angel by Robbie Williams (an English popstar who lives in the USA because no one knows him there) or the Austrian folk rock hit Fürstenfeld among the staple songs there.
Applying the method of science to politics can be dicey at best because individual preferences are of course always subjective. Throwing in an Einstein quote to a MAGA believer is unhelpful. Ditto with pointing out geo-centrism to a religious nutcase.
I agree with this take.
This covers the whole discussion even the recent ones.
Chancellor Konrad Adenauer once was allegedly seen imitating a donkey during his yearly vacation in Southern France where in those days hardly anyone knew him. The donkey clearly responded well to him.
Asked where he had learned how to do that, he said he had learned that as a politician, he had learned to talk to all kinds of donkeys in their language.
That was my answer to Micha which slipped down, but it is applicable in general to the matters we are discussing. Like I mentioned above, most people see the world according to what is USEFUL for them. You indeed have to make it clear to them that they will have less hay to eat if they are donkeys, but not make them feel you see them as such as then you might be seen as “elitist”. What is hard nowadays is that with the Internet, people who used to be uninformed are now half-informed, which is dangerous. LCPL_X at least knows he is a Google PhD and is interested in learning but many others are NOT.
Can we know call LCX, Dr..Google?
A retired marine corporal who prowls the red district of Gwen Garcia’s Cebu is a classic example of a troll going rogue.
He is in Los Angeles and according to unreliable sources no longer lives in his secondhand Toyota Corolla, tolerated on the parking lot of a Korean grocery store, allowed to use their WiFi and shower once a week in exchange for guarding the premises. The last time he mentioned having just an old Windows XP laptop and now has an Apple, so the unverified rumors about his now being a bouncer in K-Town, with shades and a new suit, might be true. 🤔😉
LOL, but no, creaking bones for bouncer.
Hahahahahaaaaaa… thats so close to real life, Ireneo. Although I tell people I work for sites related to UFOs and aliens to make things interesting. LOL!
Oh i had a 2006 Macbook (white one, remember those?) that croaked on me. so i had to upgrade. I feel guilty for this. but say la veeeee.
“There is indeed a controversy about people making upskirting videos.”
I thought this was the whole point of the Devils Wheel!!!
certainly most ladies come prepared with white or pink or red panties i notice although i’m not counting, many black panties too which is more for special occasions so maybe they have bf and or husband with them. though theres one or two with biker shorts on, I think these are the ones intent on winning said “competition”.
Most seem to just be there to be ogled. the male gaze if you will, hence the bright colours. But like I said I prefer this to say the bikini contests at fiestas over there, seems that is only one tiny step to Mango Ave. but I’m not complaining just pointing out the difference here.
As for Micha, I do have back and knee issues. but nothing some good healthy eating and clean living cannot abate.
For showers big universities usually have showers and restroom facilities open for commuter students (thus the public). laundry at the dorms too although lately they’ve moved from coins to app based payment system, and since I have a mid 2000s flip phone still cannot do,
laundry requires some smooth talking.
I do plant Jerusalem artichoke where ever I can. those are essentially weed you can eat. I do love Korean and Japanese groceries, as well as the Filipino markets lately. especially their dried mushrooms (all kinds and then some, in Japanese markets they sure love mushrooms).
When my Calfresh stipend runs out, its to the Sikh langars and Catholic and county runned food pantries. Langars are always good but vegetarian only. its their way of prosyletizing instead of talking to you about Jesus, they cook and pray over the food you’re about to eat.
If Newsom isn’t president, I hope Nikki Haley will be, precisely because she’s Sikh. i love Sikhs. and they are besties with my favorite the Jains.
Also you make friends with Goodwill employees as well as other 2nd hand type stores, after they get the good donations for themselves, usually they’ll call friends and family to come buy it so they don’t lose their jobs, they’ll leave out some good stuff for you
you give them a list of what you need because they pick thru what they can sell at their store, then they leave out so a regional truck loads it to another hub for more processing,
this is where you can get free stuff. Stay away from Salvation Army facilities.
My point in all this is not to dox myself but illustrate further how Micha is in the clouds and I’m on the ground. I have more skin in the game if you will. 😉 (p.s. that was bait for Micha by the way… )
Sure, the Oktoberfest is about doing stuff that is otherwise taboo, lots of flings and stuff going on in those two drunken weeks with three drunken weekends, but videos break the rule that what happens at the Wiesn stays at the Wiesn.
Wiesn is the proper name for the Oktoberfest AND the name of the “meadow” which comprises the fairgrounds. Actually the Oktoberfest is similar to lots of harvest festivals in Bavaria. Ancient stuff actually, these harvest festivals.
Fertility rites, basically. I suspect that the Stone Age female deities found in nearby Austria and the extreme devotion to the goddess Diana in Roman times
..are related. The Bavaria statue that thrones above the Oktoberfest is female, her cat symbolized the royal dynasty that protected her, the country, and now symbolizes the state.
The Cathedral of Our Dear Lady, Munich’s central church, is not phallic like many cathedrals. But these are just unverified speculations.
What you say about homeless life in California has some equivalents here, especially when it comes to organizing food. Showers I heard that some construction workers let some homeless discreetly use theirs.
The wholesale food and vegetable market has organized food giveaways with tickets for qualified beneficiaries, numbered so people don’t fight to be there first, though I heard some folks stand in line for friends if they are high in the queue all tit for tat stuff.
Re Oktoberfest discretion, revealing who is on the Devil’s Wheel via fotos might be as bad as ripping the mask off a Krampus for some. This pagan stuff under the proper Catholic exterior is something some people probably let out for a short time, then back to normal.
This is the Munich cathedral.. re harvest feasts to some extent they are usually about 3 Fs.. feeding is one, fighting the other.. fertility the third.. 😉
Another interesting factoid is that usually women bring plants to church to be blessed during the Ascension of Mary holiday on August 15 here in Bavaria.. there are old roots to certain practices here, probably still to be researched..
Garbage in, garbage out.
You can write a great survivor’s guide for the millions of illegals pouring in from southern borders.
Any updates on Newsom’s reparation program?
Lcx and cheap
Thank you for clarifying! Now that I have more context, I can provide you with more information about Governor Newsom’s proposed immigrant repatriation program. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Program Proposal:
Launched in 2022 by Governor Gavin Newsom of California.
A pilot program offering financial assistance and support to undocumented immigrants wishing to voluntarily return to their home countries.
Aims to provide a humane alternative to deportation, emphasizing individual choice and agency.
Reactions:
Supporters:
Praise the program for offering a dignified and safe option for undocumented immigrants facing challenges in the US.
View it as a potential solution to issues related to immigration laws and undocumented populations.
Appreciate the focus on individual choice and voluntary relocation.
Critics:
Express concerns that the program may be used to discourage immigration overall, potentially targeting specific vulnerable groups.
Question the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the program’s financial support structure.
Raise ethical concerns about potentially pressuring individuals into returning home, especially if facing difficult circumstances.
Current Status:
As of January 25, 2024, the program is still in the pilot phase.
Details about implementation, eligibility criteria, and funding allocation are under discussion and subject to further development.
Ongoing debate and discussion regarding the program’s potential benefits and drawbacks.
Additional Points:
It’s important to consider the complex political and social landscape surrounding immigration issues when evaluating the program.
Understanding the specific concerns and perspectives of both supporters and critics is crucial for a nuanced understanding of the debate.
Continued monitoring and assessment of the program’s implementation and impacts will be essential in determining its effectiveness and potential future trajectory.
I hope this information provides a helpful overview of California’s proposed immigrant repatriation program. Feel free to ask any further questions you may have about the program, its specifics, or the surrounding discussions.
Chemp, I typed your name wrong and I just realized. Sorry.
I didn’t change it because it made me laugh.
I tried to adopt what lcx is calling him: chemp, good thing I did not type chimp.
Back to Chempo..
chemp,
these reparation or homeless abatement programs theres whole industries behind ’em. so theres the regular political corruption where you skim here and there, but also as we saw in the Covid19 lock-down give aways theres lots of fraud go uninvestigated.
I want Newsom to run, chemp. I think he’ll beat Trump. but it does sure look like now that Trump will be the next president of the USA. which I won’t really mind, he’s like a shock to the system. and systems fucked. What do we have to lose?
Your freedoms, your decency, the nation’s integrity.
What do you think of Joe Manchin, the former senator from West Virginia ?
Manchin and Sinema aren’t running for reelection, isk. I don’t think both GOP and Dems want them around. I’m sure they’ll still be making money on the side though. but they played their cards well as wild cards IMHO, shoulda played the long game like other senators and stay til well in their 90s. me personally, I’m for senator term limits as well as congress. keep ’em young. fresh blood all the time is what we need. theres congressional parliamentarians that can keep the day to day going and lobbies that have been around longer that can guide the constant flow of new blood in capitol hill if term limits are set, isk.
The Adenauer method is how you conduct politics at the ground level. If you resonate you’ll hit a jackpot. That’s how all politicians get propelled to power. A true stateman (or woman), on the other hand, will recognize the need to elevate the thinking ability of the body politic. That can only be possible if the throng has a certain degree of economic freedom, not when they are battered by the daily grind of surviving.
Adenauer was the pre-WW2 Mayor of Cologne (which is where he practiced donkey politics to the hilt) and West Germany’s first postwar Chancellor, probably the right man for the job even as his era was seen as reactionary by the youth in the 1960s. But if one looks at it fairly, I think he made sure the place was stabilized both internally + externally + nearly everybody had jobs. Without him, Social Democrat and former anti-Nazi resistance fighter Willy Brandt might not have had the chance to go for “Mehr Demokratie wagen” = Dare more democracy in the 1970s. Germans in 1949 were not ready for that kind of stuff. Many people even said “what are going to do without him” when “Der Alte” (The Old Man) was ejected by his own political party in 1963. Brandt was on the other hand loved by the young, with an appeal similar to that of JFK.
Today Germany is on a freefall, shrinking, de-industrializing, starved of petrol, subservient to US diktats in the latter’s war with the Russians.
What are the chances that AfD might be propelled to power?
There’s always Guyana, Micha.
Wrong trolling Michacsaid petrol starved Germany so Algeria would be apt..
karl, I think the appeal of Guyana is that its “the West” ‘s very own, away from the Middle East.
But if Brazil reconnects with Angola though, as Portuguese speaking countries. hell even Mozambique but i guess not as much. so instead of BRICS, Brazil can focus on BAM. That will be a power house.
Got it. TY.
According to what I read China is now the 5th oil producer. Maybe your table is out dated.
As to you your suggestion of alliance of Portuguese speaking countries, that 14th century beyond ” everybody wants to rule the world” that gave prominence to the one upmanship of Spain and Portugal for so long, only to be overtaken by the so called new ruler of the waves Hail Gran Brittannia giving that era’s unofficial world war that lasted seven years. The Hasburgs incurred debts worth 60 percent of the GDP of Spain. I have yet to read about the portugal’s accumuated debts in the 14th to 15th century.
We are in for the long haul 14 day trips of those container vessels passing suez will be prolonged to 45 days.
Even with your ideal suggestions, we will all still be losers in this Houthi tantrums.
Since its oil we are talking about.
No crew will service a tanker, with houthis targetting and hostaging them.
We are in deep.Shite
Fast forward. Many Portuguese speakers are trying luck where else but Portugal.
https://migrant-integration.ec.europa.eu/news/portugal-residence-permit-procedure-moved-online-portuguese-speaking-migrants_en
I am sure, France’s accumulated debt during Revolution time was way less than Portugal’s and Spain’s, but they are the one’s who had Les Miserables still playing in Broadway and West-end. And as per link of Micha we are updated of a French revolution redux.
According to Bard, France’s debt was HUGE.
The French monarchy’s accumulated debt played a significant role in the social and political tensions leading up to the French Revolution. Let’s delve into the details:
The Size of the Debt:
Causes of the Debt:
Impact of the Debt:
Attempts at Reform:
Ultimately, the crippling debt and the inability of the monarchy to address it became a key factor in the eruption of the French Revolution. The revolutionaries aimed to dismantle the old regime and establish a system based on equality, liberty, and fraternity, which also included tackling the debt through drastic measures like confiscation of church lands and the creation of a new currency.
===
Based on PPP estimates, 12 billion livres in 1789 could be equivalent to roughly 100 trillion to 1 quadrillion euros in today’s money. However, this is a very rough estimate and should be treated with caution.
The debt is good mantra told to me by Micha stuck to me like glue, I still remember it.
Applying the excerpt “Debt can be considered ‘good’ if it has the potential to increase your net worth or significantly enhance your life” on a macro level involves analyzing debt from a broader societal perspective. Here are some potential ways:
1. Economic Growth: Borrowing for productive investments, like infrastructure development or technology innovation, can stimulate economic growth by increasing economic activity, job creation, and future productivity. This “good debt” can lead to higher national income and improved standards of living over time.
2. Education and Human Capital: Governments and individuals might take on debt to finance education or skills training. This “good debt” can enhance individual earning potential, contribute to a more skilled workforce, and boost a nation’s competitiveness in the global economy.
3. Sustainable Development: Borrowing can be used to fund projects that address long-term challenges like climate change or renewable energy development. This “good debt” can promote sustainability and create a healthier environment for future generations.
However, it’s crucial to avoid excessive debt levels, regardless of its intended purpose. Unmanageable debt can lead to:
1. Financial instability: High national debt can burden future generations with interest payments and limit the government’s ability to invest in critical areas. Individual debt burdens can lead to bankruptcy, defaults, and reduced economic activity.
2. Inequality: Unequal access to “good debt” can exacerbate existing economic disparities. For example, student loans might be readily available to privileged individuals but out of reach for others, perpetuating inequalities in income and career opportunities.
3. Economic vulnerability: High debt levels can make economies more susceptible to financial crises and shocks, reducing their resilience and adaptability to unforeseen circumstances.
Therefore, applying the excerpt on a macro level requires careful consideration of the purpose and potential consequences of debt. Balancing the potential benefits of “good debt” with the risks of excessive or unsustainable borrowing is crucial for promoting economic growth, human capital development, and long-term societal well-being.
In addition to the above, the excerpt also highlights the distinction between “good” and “bad” debt on an individual level. This framework can be applied to national economies as well, with investments in infrastructure, education, and sustainability being considered “good debts” while borrowing for consumption or depreciating assets being categorized as “bad debts.”
Ultimately, effective debt management at both the individual and national levels requires a nuanced understanding of the potential benefits and risks, guided by principles of responsible borrowing and long-term sustainability.
<i><b>”According to what I read China is now the 5th oil producer. Maybe your table is out dated.”</b></i>
karl, proven oil reserves vs. oil production.
Thanks number six in 2021.
Unfortunately, data for 2023 might not be readily available yet, especially for oil reserves which are typically updated less frequently than production figures. However, based on Statista’s latest available data (as of October 2023):
Oil Production:
Oil Reserves:
Therefore, as of October 2023, China was among the top oil producers globally, but its reserves ranked lower compared to other major oil-producing countries.
Here are some additional insights:
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions
The next state election to watch is Thuringia (former East Germany) in September 2024. Polls don’t look good with AfD probably winning 33% of votes – not enough to rule as nobody will (hopefully) go into coalition with them but a coalition of all other forces from Christian Democrats to Greens is nearly impossible. Even as radical parties have failed before at the state level and didn’t win federally because they showed their incompetence. Also, some people here vote radical parties locally to awaken the established political parties from lethargy. Hopefully they react, even as the present leadership in major parties is the weakest in decades and the present crisis is serious.
Federal elections are in September 2025.
These are rough times and yes, the worst is possible. Too early to tell exactly what will happen.
Well, with continuing economic pain, it’s likely that AfD will also continue to gain more steam and voter support, much like the Trump phenomenon in the US or Javier Milei in Argentina. Voters behaving irrationally is what you get when they’re under economic stress.
Nayib Bukele and Milei are onto something. Don’t hate the players, hate the game.
Bukele’s genius isn’t really Bitcoin although thats still interesting too and seems pushing thru, but its him leveraging his Arab connections for El Salvador. Milei will kick ass, because like Evita Argentinians needed to be spanked.
Milei, like Bolsonaro, is a libertarian fool who will wreak more societal and economic damage before voters realize they’ve been had once again. He used to vow that getting rid of the central bank is non-negotiable but so far has not gained much traction because he encountered a wall for his stupidity.
Members of the Werteunion, or Values Union, a heavily conservative wing of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), decided on Saturday, at a meeting in Erfurt, to establish themselves as a new party. They said they are prepared to work with AfD. What are your views on this?
They exist, just like the AfD was originally a group of mostly CDU academics who found Merkel too centrist. There were similar groups that left the SPD or Social Democrats on the leftist side of the spectrum in past decades.
The German party landscape is more fragmented these days. Bavaria has the FW (Freie Wähler) aka “Free Voters” in a coalition with the ruling CSU (Christian Social Union). It is somewhat right of CSU and is strong in lower Bavaria. Like I already mentioned the coming state elections in Thuringia, Saxony and in yet another East German state and how these parties actually work is to be seen. Meanwhile CDU is back from centrist under Merkel to conservative under Merz.
https://x.com/aphysicist/status/1747868626948907325?s=52&t=GdM4XNyMyixmf5nOkpBhxg
Chempo,
Here I am wanting to apologize to you and kb for using the words conspiracy theory.
I sm not pointing fingers at you only your comment.
But now you mention NWO
You might be referring to he Prowrestling faction in wcw..
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World_Order_(conspiracy_theory)
I’m tracking something similar with aliens/UFOs , karl.
You got that tictac military video from 2004, there’s been others that surfaced, but 2 pilots and 1 radar technician (Kevin Day) have come out on that incident to corroborate each others accounts.
So you have these military videos. That show technology behaving in a fashion that cannot be explained by known physics now.
Its either human technology thats been kept secret or its non-human technology. but technology nonetheless.
Last year this David Grusch from military intelligence testifies before Congress, since then theres been subsequent hearings mostly in secret. but the Congressmen have (both Dems and GOP) have all agreed theres
some sort of conspiracy that goes higher than where their level is at. and as Congressmen they’ve been led to believe the gov’t answers to them. Both Dems and GOP congressmen are now positing theories.
so chempo’s , NWO globalists, may not be too far from the truth, karl. Again, consider aliens/UFOs. there will be more hearings this year. before last year, the last hearings on UFOs were in the 60s, karl. what changed?
UFOs are not conspiracy theories…..As the song goes, Superman was killed in Dallas(like JFK)
Superman was killed in Dallas
There’s no love left in the palace
Someone took the Beatles’ lead guitar
Have another Chivas Regal
You’re twelve years old
And sex is legal
Your parents don’t know where or who you are
Used to be the hero of the ball game
Took the time to shake the loser’s hand
Used to be that failure
Only meant you didn’t try
In a world where people gave a damn
Great big wars in little places
Look at all those frightened faces
But don’t come here
We just don’t have the room
There’s some truth to this, karl.
Oliver Stone has always thought it was JFK’s willingness to share NASA with the Russians that got him shot. that there was something about sharing American space programs that was so dangerous that required a president dead.
But Stone never ventured into aliens/UFOs territory though, he just stopped at NASA.
He stopped at Houston and skipped area 51?
I doubt JFK was briefed about Area 51, but if you’ve seen the movie Oppenheimer, same folks responsible for continuing the nuke program are the ones that set up Area 51 (and similar such sites).
Oppenheimer was pushed out of the Manhattan project which was his baby, then Atomic Energy Commission, then from there further splintering of bureaucracies.
So this aliens/UFOs stuff is spread across the Dept. of Energy, DoD, NASA and DARPA which is separate from DoD. also the myriad intelligence agencies.
This is precisely why lately the Congressmen both Dems and GOP are having such a hard time figuring out, for instance where the recorded data of
the 2004 tictac incident went, and how they can simply board a US Navy ship confiscate said recordings without a trace chain of custody . the video footage that was leaked by Lue Elizondo from DIA
was the worst quality and he said that’s the reason he was able to leak it. you see how US Navy planes can share footage of Chinese fighters jets in South China sea maneuvering
closely to them, well all US jets etc. have really good cameras and sensors. but none have come to light of the tictac incident, karl.
Oliver Stone was offered to direct Oppenheimer, but he turned it down.
By the way, JFK’s decision to do a Naval Blockade even agaist advice of an all out war was laudable.
It starved Cuba and the russians of goods from coming in and out of Cuba.
It worked then to prevent war, (but still got him killed for some reason which may or may not have something to do with merging space programs), but now is a different matter.
We see the red sea blockade, if you will. Goods coming form Europe towards Asia will have to pass Africa exacerbating Cargo and fuel costs.
As for oil to the US, north africa is still an option and per lCX also South America
I think Oliver Stone would’ve just focused on the communist aspect of it, foresake the science.
Oppenheimer knew about aliens/UFOs and probably one of the reasons he was black listed. He would’ve still been around New Mexico when this Trinity crash happened, karl.
And he & Einstein discussed aliens/UFOs at length. I’m surprised with his past movies Chris Nolan didn’t tug at this aliens/UFOs connection.
Found this article about Nolan’s comments on the alien franchise.
https://alienexplorations.blogspot.com/2012/01/chris-nolan-on-alien-and-blade-runner.html?m=1
here’s one from Japan, karl.
From personal experience I can vouch UFOs are real. I have seen them personally. Not the vehicles but light objects maneuvering at incredible speeds and crazy directional movements.
Bard on the Tic Tac incident
The Tic Tac UFO incident of 2004 remains a fascinating and unexplained event in aviation history. Here’s an objective analysis based on the available information and adhering to the safety guidelines you outlined:
Background:
On November 10, 2004, two F/A-18 Hornets from Nimitz Carrier Strike Group 11 were conducting training exercises off the coast of California when they encountered unidentified objects. Pilots David Fravor and Chad Underwood, along with their Weapons System Operators (WSOs), observed what they described as Tic Tac-shaped objects exhibiting unusual flight characteristics. Sensor data captured by their aircraft and by a supporting cruiser, USS Princeton, corroborated their visual observations.
Claims and Evidence:
Visual observations: Both pilots and WSOs reported Tic Tac-shaped objects, white in color, approximately 40-50 feet in length, traveling at high speeds and maneuvering in ways defying explanation. These observations were consistent across the four individuals involved.
Radar data: Radar data from the F/A-18s and the USS Princeton confirmed the presence of multiple unidentified objects in the vicinity of the Hornets. Notably, the objects appeared to lack wings or tails, exhibiting high-G turns exceeding known capabilities of manned aircraft.
Infrared sensor data: Infrared data further supported the visual observations, indicating the presence of objects with distinct heat signatures.
Counter-arguments and Uncertainties:
Misidentification: Skeptics suggest the pilots may have misidentified a natural phenomenon, such as plasma formations or birds, or misinterpreted sensor data. The lack of close-up visuals or physical evidence fuels this argument.
Sensor anomalies: Some suggest sensor glitches or software errors might have caused the unusual readings on radar and infrared systems. However, the consistency of data across multiple sensors and corroborated by visual observations weakens this explanation.
National security concerns: The official release of the Tic Tac incident and other UFO videos by the Pentagon in 2021 has sparked speculation about their connection to advanced aerial technologies being developed by the US or other nations. However, no concrete evidence exists to support this claim.
Conclusion:
Despite the counter-arguments and uncertainties, the Tic Tac incident remains unexplained. The consistent observations of trained pilots, corroborated by sensor data, indicate the presence of unidentified objects exhibiting advanced flight capabilities. More investigation and data are needed to conclusively determine the nature of these objects.
Overall, the Tic Tac incident highlights the need for continued research and open-mindedness when it comes to unexplained aerial phenomena. Adherence to scientific principles and critical thinking are crucial in separating fact from speculation and advancing our understanding of the unknown.
Remember, this analysis avoids promoting speculation or sensationalism and focuses on the factual aspects of the incident. It also refrains from drawing definitive conclusions without sufficient evidence.
I hope this objective analysis of the Tic Tac incident is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
BTW LCX I was asking bard about the tictac incident.
I got it. Maybe it was a spy balloon but who knows maybe it was actually a mentos.
The supervising radar tech who’s come out Kevin Day saw the object go to outer space while the jets were intercepting it. and the two pilots who have come forward saw the object go up and down, side ways and even under water. by definition a spy balloon cannot maneuver as described. Tictac by the way is breath mint candy here which the video and witnesses describing it being , but as big as a school bus.
Thanks again Lance for summing it up.
Bard’s reply was comprehensive, I made the spy balloon and mentos up.
watch this, karl.
What do you think of this?:
https://ufopastor.com/
at least you did not use your personalized shortcuts.
lcx you can click on the link without worrying
looked at it.
There really is no objectivism to this whole thing. All you can do is be tolerant, accept irreconcilable differences, and even if everything is subjective, remember what I said in the first tsoh blog of mine. Money is no object so long as it is not the subject.
The objectism is when you object(disagree)
I asked bard to…..
Objective Analysis of ufopastor.com
Website Overview:
Domain: ufopastor.com
Content: Focuses on extraterrestrial life, UFO sightings, and religious interpretations of these phenomena.
Owner: According to WHOIS information, the website is registered to a private individual with the name “R.L. Townsend.”
Contact: Email address and physical address provided.
Monetization: Primarily through donations and merchandise sales.
Claims and Arguments:
Extensive documentation: The website presents a large amount of information on UFO sightings, historical cases, and personal testimonies.
Religious interpretations: It attempts to connect these phenomena with various religious traditions, suggesting that extraterrestrials may be angels, demons, or even God.
Skepticism of mainstream narratives: The website questions official explanations for UFO sightings and expresses distrust in government agencies.
Promotion of “truth seeking”: It encourages visitors to conduct their own research and form their own conclusions about extraterrestrial life.
Strengths:
Organized and detailed content: The website offers a wealth of information on UFOs and related topics, making it a potential resource for researchers or those interested in the subject.
Unique perspective: The combination of UFOlogy and religious interpretations provides a distinct viewpoint that may resonate with certain audiences.
Transparency: The website provides contact information and discloses its owner, allowing for some level of accountability.
Weaknesses:
Lack of scientific rigor: The website often relies on anecdotal evidence, personal testimonies, and speculation rather than presenting scientific data or peer-reviewed research.
Potential for misinterpretation: The religious interpretations of UFOs could be seen as misleading or misappropriating religious texts for sensational purposes.
Confirmation bias: The website primarily focuses on information that supports its existing claims, neglecting alternative explanations or counter-arguments.
Financial motives: The monetization through donations and merchandise raises questions about potential financial incentives behind the website’s content.
Overall:
ufopastor.com presents a unique perspective on UFOs and their potential religious significance. However, it is important to approach the website with caution. The lack of scientific rigor, potential for misinterpretation, and financial motives necessitate critical thinking and evaluation of the information presented. While it may offer interesting insights and resources for some, it should not be considered a definitive or authoritative source on UFOs or extraterrestrial life.
Additional Points:
The website’s tone and language can be sensational and dramatic, potentially exploiting people’s curiosity and anxieties.
The website promotes itself as a “ministry,” but its religious affiliation or legitimacy as such is unclear.
It is crucial to consider alternative explanations for UFO sightings, such as natural phenomena, psychological factors, or technological advancements.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on a brief examination of the ufopastor.com website and does not constitute an exhaustive evaluation of all its content or claims. Further research and investigation are recommended for a more comprehensive understanding of the website and its associated claims.
Karl, I had missed yr reply; sorry.
The UFO Pastor is, afaik, Michael Hoggard.
A guy with a great sense of humor, for one thing. He probably does more for Kenya than Obama does.
Was that Joe Rogan?
Heard another Nolan. Gary Nolan of Justice League fame.
Super friends was the first cartoon that introduced me to time travel, interdimensional stuff, black hole etc.
Going back to the Yt vid
There is a belief we reversed engineered
alien tech in roswell
This is one thing that caught my attention. Again, I asked Bard.
The possibility of reverse engineering Roswell alien technology, assuming it even exists, is a complex and fascinating topic. It delves into the realms of science fiction, speculation, and the unknown, making it a popular subject of debate and intrigue.
Arguments for the possibility:
Historical claims: Some researchers and enthusiasts believe that the US government has recovered materials from the alleged Roswell crash site in 1947. They claim that these materials possess unique properties and functionalities beyond our current understanding of physics and engineering. Proponents of this viewpoint argue that if such materials exist, they could potentially be studied and reverse engineered to unlock groundbreaking technological advancements.
Technological leaps: Some point to the rapid technological advancements made in the decades following the Roswell incident, such as the development of transistors, microchips, and fiber optics, as potential evidence of alien technology influence. They argue that these technologies emerged too quickly to be solely the result of human ingenuity and suggest that they may have been inspired by or derived from extraterrestrial knowledge.
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs): The recent increase in sightings and official acknowledgment of UAPs by the US government has reignited interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial technology. Some speculate that these UAPs could be evidence of alien craft, and if recovered or studied, could provide valuable insights into their propulsion systems, materials, and communication methods.
Arguments against the possibility:
Lack of evidence: The existence of alien technology at Roswell, or anywhere else for that matter, remains unproven. No concrete physical evidence has been publicly presented to support these claims, and the official stance of the US government is that there is no evidence of extraterrestrial life or technology.
Scientific challenges: Even if alien technology existed, it’s highly likely to be based on principles and materials far beyond our current scientific understanding. Reverse engineering such technology would be an immense challenge, requiring significant breakthroughs in physics, engineering, and other scientific fields.
Ethical considerations: The potential consequences of reverse engineering alien technology are unknown and could be unpredictable. There are concerns about the potential misuse of such technology, the disruption of natural ecosystems, and the ethical implications of interacting with an advanced extraterrestrial civilization without their consent.
Conclusion:
The possibility of reverse engineering Roswell alien technology remains highly speculative and shrouded in mystery. While some intriguing arguments exist for its possibility, the lack of concrete evidence and the immense scientific and ethical challenges make it a highly improbable scenario at present. However, the continued exploration of the universe, advancements in scientific understanding, and the possibility of future discoveries may one day shed light on this captivating topic and potentially bring us closer to the truth about extraterrestrial technology.
It is important to approach this topic with critical thinking and a healthy dose of skepticism. While the possibilities are exciting, it is crucial to base our understanding on scientific evidence and avoid perpetuating unsubstantiated claims or misinformation.
To isk the thread is long.
re YT video you showed bard response
Yes, there is a strong possibility that Senator Blackburn’s questioning of Ketanji Brown Jackson about her definition of “woman” was motivated by her perception of Jackson as a progressive judge. Here’s why:
1. The context of the questioning:
The questioning took place during Jackson’s confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court in March 2022.
Blackburn is a Republican senator known for her conservative views on social issues, including transgender rights.
Jackson is a judge who has been praised for her progressive stances on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
2. The nature of the question:
Defining “woman” is a complex and nuanced issue, with no single, universally accepted definition.
Blackburn’s question was not a genuine attempt to get a clear answer from Jackson.
Instead, it was likely a political stunt designed to bait Jackson into making a statement that could be used to portray her as out of touch with the views of ordinary Americans.
3. Blackburn’s subsequent comments:
After Jackson declined to define “woman,” Blackburn criticized her, saying that her answer “underscores the dangers of the kind of progressive education that we are hearing about.”
This suggests that Blackburn was not interested in Jackson’s actual views on gender, but rather in using the issue to attack her broader judicial philosophy.
4. The broader political context:
The questioning took place during a time of heightened political polarization in the United States, with Republicans and Democrats increasingly divided on issues like transgender rights.
Blackburn’s questioning was likely part of a larger effort by Republicans to portray Democrats as being out of touch with the concerns of ordinary Americans on social issues.
It is important to note that there are other possible interpretations of Blackburn’s questioning. Some people have argued that she was simply trying to get a clear answer from Jackson about her views on transgender rights. However, given the context of the questioning and Blackburn’s subsequent comments, it is more likely that her motivation was political.
Ultimately, whether or not Blackburn’s questioning was motivated by her perception of Jackson as a progressive judge is a matter of opinion. However, the evidence suggests that this is a strong possibility.
Here are some additional points to consider:
The questioning was widely criticized by legal experts and LGBTQ+ rights groups, who accused Blackburn of trying to derail Jackson’s confirmation.
Jackson’s supporters argued that her refusal to define “woman” was a sign of her judicial temperament and her commitment to upholding the law, not her personal beliefs.
The questioning is likely to be seen as a defining moment in Jackson’s confirmation hearings, and it is likely to be debated for years to come.
I hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Yeah, I agree that the query is more on political views on transgenders, etc. that may affect parenting issues besides from sports.
The ability to compromise is what is missing in todays American politics. Meeting halfway seems unheard nowadays .
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4689871/user-clip-bill-clinton-howwhy-illegal-immigrants-america
re: Sports who was that in the 70s or 80s who performed as a woman but born a man? was there ever an athlete named Monah Sulayman? I forgot. On illegal immigrants, yeah Clinton was or wanted to be hard on illegal immigrants, but fast forward to now. Thoughts please.
https://thehill.com/opinion/immigration/4420526-biden-is-begging-for-mexicos-help-with-the-border-and-with-his-re-election/
It’s opinion. the term ‘begging’ is pejorative and not reflective of President Biden’s approach or demeanor. I really hate modern emotionalism as argument. It’s dirty framing.
Thanks for that Joe.
At that time DNA test for athletes is not being used yet; the other option is to show and tell maybe that could be “haram” to muslim girls.
During the 2020 election, Mr. Biden campaigned for an easy immigration access for would be asylum seekers, unwittingly did not realize how the system got abused and turned to a lucrative business hence the uncontrolled migration.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4807368/user-clip-thomas-holman-vents-frustration-congress-inaction
People do not migrate to the US because they are sold a package lucrative to transporters but because of troubles in their home country. Understanding the root issues is important to fixing the problem. It is not a problem caused by the US president, although he can influence it, which is the case LCX makes. Was Biden naive? Is his liberal base whack-nuts? Or are they caring humanitarians who have made the trek to the US themselves, or know that their parents or grandparents did. I’m fifth generation German immigrant. The number of native Americans is astonishingly low. America is a nation of immigrants.
Click to access IF11151.pdf
True, most are economic migrants. Compassion sometimes is in conflict with realities. Thanks for the link.
here is one more.
Similarities in Views on the Universe: Diana Walsh Pasulka, Einstein, Sagan, Kaku, Seife, and Hawking
While each individual has their own unique perspective and area of expertise, there are some interesting common threads in the way Diana Walsh Pasulka, Albert Einstein, Carl Sagan, Michio Kaku, Charles Seife, and Stephen Hawking view the universe:
1. A Sense of Awe and Wonder:
Pasulka: Emphasizes the human capacity for wonder and curiosity, especially in the context of the vastness and mystery of the universe.
Einstein: Described himself as “driven by a passionate interest in unveiling the secrets of nature.”
Sagan: Renowned for his ability to communicate the grandeur and beauty of the cosmos to the general public.
Kaku: Often expresses his excitement about the potential for scientific discovery and exploration of the universe.
Seife: Writes with a sense of wonder and fascination about the universe and its mysteries.
Hawking: Despite his physical limitations, Hawking retained a deep curiosity about the universe and a desire to understand its origins and ultimate fate.
2. Belief in the Potential for Intelligent Life:
Pasulka: Views the search for extraterrestrial intelligence as a natural extension of human curiosity and technological advancement.
Einstein: Believed that the universe was teeming with life, although he acknowledged that we might never be able to contact it.
Sagan: Advocated for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and believed that we are not alone in the universe.
Kaku: Speculates on the possibility of advanced civilizations beyond our own and the potential for communication and collaboration.
Seife: Explores the scientific evidence for and against the existence of extraterrestrial life in his book “Extraterrestrial Intelligence in the 21st Century.”
Hawking: While cautious about the dangers of interstellar travel, Hawking did not rule out the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe.
3. Importance of Scientific Inquiry and Exploration:
Pasulka: Sees technology as a tool for expanding our understanding of the universe and pushing the boundaries of the known.
Einstein: Dedicated his life to unraveling the laws of physics and understanding the universe at its most fundamental level.
Sagan: Championed the use of science and technology to explore the cosmos and learn more about our place in it.
Kaku: Believes that scientific progress is essential for unlocking the secrets of the universe and shaping a better future for humanity.
Seife: Writes extensively about the scientific process and the importance of critical thinking in understanding the universe.
Hawking: Despite his illness, Hawking continued to make significant contributions to our understanding of black holes and cosmology.
4. Emphasis on Human Responsibility:
Pasulka: Warns against the dangers of unfettered technological progress and the importance of using technology for good.
Einstein: Was an outspoken critic of nuclear weapons and advocated for peace and international cooperation.
Sagan: Warned about the dangers of nuclear war and environmental destruction, and emphasized the need for humans to become responsible stewards of the planet.
Kaku: Calls for ethical considerations in the development of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
Seife: Explores the potential ethical implications of scientific discoveries in his work.
Hawking: Warned about the dangers of climate change and the importance of protecting the Earth for future generations.
It’s important to note that these are just some of the broad similarities in the views of these individuals. Each person has their own unique perspective and contributions to our understanding of the universe. However, their shared sense of awe, wonder, and curiosity about the cosmos, as well as their belief in the power of science and the importance of human responsibility, make them valuable voices in the ongoing conversation about our place in the universe.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
I totally agree, karl.
I for one have never experienced anything UFO or alien related. but I enjoy thinking about stuff like this, it’s right up my alley of monsters ghosts and undead, as well as miraculous stuff like virgins of Fatima, Lourdes & Guadalupe.
In all this UFO/aliens stuff, I’m more a Jacques Vallée and Diana Pasulka fan, not really hard sciences but soft sciences (social sciences) and humanities.
But when there is hard evidence, I take stock.
for example 2004 Tictac incident is recording on military sensors (only said video above has been leaked though), and then the 1994 Michigan UFO with Jack Bushong as the NWS meteorologist being on tape in a 911 call because 911 dispatcher contacted him regarding all the UFOs sightings,
and on the recordings Jack Bushong describes his radar readings he didn’t know the call was being recorded. you can watch it in Netflix “Unsolved Mysteries” (‘Something in the Sky’ episode).
Then theres witness accounts very much like chempo’s where nothing extra ordinary really happens but saw weird things in the sky flight patterns that maybe natural but certainly not with in the scope of human technology and known physics.
then there’s accounts of Mother Ships, where UFOs are like the size of football fields even miles wide.
My point here is, treat this as you would treat Catholic or non Catholic miracles, there’s something here. and it needs to be looked at, the same way the Catholic church send priest-scientists to investigate miracles.
There is enough objectivity at least in the sense of Sherlock Holmes type investigation to connect dots.
ps.
i7sharp, theres room for all sorts of interpretation here and if I were a shystering type I would totally adjust my ministry and recalibrate towards UFO/aliens like Scientology thats where the money’s at similar to mega churches essentially offering concerts people are bored want something to do and be a part of. theres money to be had in that.
but I commend him for dipping into this industry.
Re aliens. Two major US WW2 and post-WW2 advances were due to aliens: the Manhattan project and the moon landing. Naturalized aliens that mostly came from Europe.
This blog was started by an alien in the Philippines with an Alien Certificate of Registration.
Broadway owed a lot to children of naturalized aliens with names such as Hammerstein. There was a time when Rodgers and Hammerstein were behind major musicals.
Steven Spielberg’s mother was from Eastern Europe. William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy of Star Trek fame both have Ukrainian Jewish ancestry.
Transistors were clearly an American invention, even if Dr. William Shockley was very strange.
One could say that JoeAm was a pioneer, one of the first ETs to explore the Philippines using the ancient technology called writing, after Pigafetta and Jagor landed by boat centuries earlier. Newer aliens in the Philippines, both resident and non-resident, prefer video.
More on aliens..
This is a Twilek from Star Wars:
These are upos from the Philippines:
https://pinoyhyper.com/cdn/shop/products/upo-bottle-gourd-500g-103319.jpg?v=1675750584
Upo sightings are rare in Manila and more frequent in the countryside
Upo hahaha
Hahaha, thanks for starting my day with a huge laugh, Irineo. Those old technologies, indeed.
chemp,
here’s a good video re homelessness & corruption here (and pretty much other states too). if we had state owned apartments like Singapore we’d probably be able to house like 80% of the homeless here. instead theres a whole industry hell bent on keeping the homeless homeless.
incentives are skewed.
here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Dcr1AKdGc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Dcr1AKdGc
what’s this new WP type in a block stuff ? sorry for the triple link above.
You know the empire is crumbling when it cannot even win a proxy war.
Both from within and from without, American leadership class are screwing up, literally. The projected entrance of Crazy Emperor II next year will usher in the twilight of Pax Americana.
Worst-case scenario: a second American Civil War, if not violent ideological strife.
I personally wanna see if the mess that unfolded globally under Biden’s administration can be put back in the box when Trump gets re elected.
The world needs crazy America right now. America needs crazy America right now. seems the young Americans in particular want it. if anything
it will be fun. People need fun right now, shake things up.
Odd that the mess is on Biden and not on Russia, China, and Iran. I’m reminded of Aquino being held to impossible standards of perfection. Also odd to see intelligent people cheering for chaos and all the suffering that will emerge from that, versus adhering to principles of compassion and earnest service. That, rather than Biden, is what has gone wrong in the world. Emotions over sense. Destruction over building.
Not ascribing fault with Biden re global developments, Joe. But I do fault him for rolling back Trump’s Mexico as wall policy. the state of the southern border is squarely Biden’s fault.
As to chaos, Trump is creative destruction. Though I’d rather have Newsom who is more pragmatic non-ideologue but Trump again will be interesting too.
Will keep folks on their toes that’s for sure!
Sorry but that is not how I read what you said before Joe’s reply. it is all spelled out. Re: global
Absolutely wrong. The Biden Administration has developed a tough, bipartisan plan on immigration but it’s being held hostage by MAGA legislators on Trump’s instructions. Like military and State Department appointments. And Ukraine arms. All so that the unread can be misled into thinking it’s Biden’s doing. Sorry you fell for it. Newsom gets it.
Russia, China, and Iran – the forever fall guys for America’s ills.
A nation that cannot internalise it’s own problems is slipping down the mediocrity slope.
The social and cultural change of wokeism, the DEIs, started by Obama is pursued by Biden without restraint. An army that focuses on gender training cannot be expected to fight well. A SCOTUS appointee who does not know what a woman is – not much can be expected from her brain. I could go on.
Russia, China, and Iran have nothing to do with all these.
Maybe you’re not a woman. Or transgender.
chemp, the US military has always been a social experiment. and at every change people have always said Oh lethality will suffer. when blacks were absorbed oh its gonna be a lesser force. then when women were allowed into combat arms Oh that’s gonna screw things up. its been more that 50 years with blacks and maybe 20 years or so with women first in planes now in actual line units. the military has always absorbed these social experiments mandated from above and been stronger inspite of or because of. so LGBTQplus in the military seems another hurdle that’ll be proven balance positive than negative. 80% of military success is morale. although there is a recruitment draw down right now but that’s more due to generational values really than because of gender training, adjust to those values you’ll get recruitment up again LGBTQplus i think is part of that adjustment.
As to China, Russia and Iran, they’re like centuries behind DEI they may be more bad ass visually speaking but strategically speaking diversity of thought coming out of the USA is why theres more innovation not less. nothing new comes out of those countries, China can scale sure. but innovation is still the purview of USA, chemp.
Diversity of ideas is why.
I’m a 2nd amendment proponent but the MAGA crowd has fetishized 2nd amendment to nth level, chemp. they’ll try being violent but they’ll not succeed. but yeah, MAGA tend to drive around with weapons and in trucks here open carry and such. the left aren’t really pro gun they’re like vegetarians who like breaking property. your reading of the American Christian conservative movement is wrong. the trend you wanna study is these porch shootings of MAGA types so scared they shoot first and ask questions later. like Yoda said, Fear is the path to the dark side. and Lady Jessica in Dune, Fear is the Mind Killer. MAGA is about fear. nothing else, chemp.
Israel has had women in service for decades. The transgender issue is new, complex, and a challenge, in the military and in sports. From Wiki:
“While transgender individuals have been allowed to serve in the IDF, more recent policy changes have allowed these individuals to be treated in accordance with their preferred gender. In 2013, the IDF announced that they would, for the first time, allow a transgender woman to serve in the army as a female soldier.”
Once military units form and coalesce what keeps ’em together or cause them to implode is usually personality i notice, not extraneous identities but individual identities if say one’s a hard worker, lazy, loyal , a fuck up, have tact, etc. etc. so if higher ups mandate this person or that type of person can join it s up to those individual units to absorb them and that process of absorption is a very personal process so folks like chempo or Christian evangelicals cannot really predict especially if you’re years apart from the 20 something year olds that make the military. but from past occurrences they’ll just be absorbed. and people then look back and say why was that ever even an issue. then move on. I really don’t see an issue, and would posit that gays and transgender have been in our militaries for much longer than blacks and women, Joe.
Agree.
I don’t know about civil war; more like intensification of class war. As Warren Buffet were saying, rich people like him have been waging war with the proles for decades now and it’s his oligarchic class that’s been having a winning run.
In that sense, America is not a democracy but a degenerate plutocracy with trimmings and iconography of periodic sham elections to legitimize the rule of two entrenched political parties who are both in the pockets of our Wall Street overlords.
French peasants are starting an organized revolt.
In any case, and as our friend says these years may be the end of “pax Americana” and even “pax Europa” hegemony. Instead the so-called BRICS nations are going to loom larger in the near future, despite internal strife, out to influence the global South to join that sphere.
The Pax Americana or the unipolar world of the 1990s is long dead.
As for pax Europa, there was none in the Balkan wars of the 1990s, the war none in the noughties with Russia attacking Georgia, there is none right now.
As for Empires, is the Rome of today, America, where the Roman Empire was in the Third Century, nearly falling apart but still managing, or already in the late 5th Century – even as history never repeats itself but rhymes (c) Mark Twain
As to what the configuration of the coming decades will be, the Oracle of Delphi told King Croesus of Lydia that an Empire would fall if he attacked Persia, which he interpreted overconfidently – and I have seen enough pundit prophecies fail.
There are some who see a pentarchy of USA, EU, Russia, India, China as likely, with the possibility that one player or the other is replaced by new ones if it falls, with regional powers like Turkey on the old territory of Lydia waiting in the wings for exactly that.
Filipino turncoat politicians like the ones who followed the USA until 1942, then Japan, and then grinned when the USA came back, will of course survive.
Hard to play a game as a nation in the middle though.
Germany has had that experience and isn’t going it alone anymore, which is better. Playing both sides like the Philippines has more blatantly between US and China is a huge risk.
Germany making itself too dependent on Russian energy supply was a huge mistake from the Schröder era. The Philippines entrusting even its national electric grid to China is worse. Some people claim to be Macchiavellian. I have read Macchiavelli even if he is boring at times. Though his comparing power games of Greek city-states of old to the warlord-run Italian cities of his period was brillant. Some things stay the same throughout history, people being people. Machiavelli has some examples of small towns caught between bigger more powerful towns..
Not so Irineo. America is rotting from within but it still projects power across the globe, or at least pretends to be the ultimate hegemon, until it exhausts all that military hardware and tools of destruction coming out of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin factories.
After the cold war, domestic class antagonism became more pronounced while American hawks pursued aggressive wars overseas and treated western Europe as a mere vassal.
Oh really Micha? I was answering madlanglupa’s prediction that the “Pax Americana” will end with two things:
1) it is far from being a long peace, Pax means peace. The 1990s were not peaceful in Europe. Since this millennium the USA has been at war.
2) I asked whether now is more like the end of the Roman Empire or like the major crisis in the 3rd century.
Now if you are answering 2), I get what not so means. It isn’t quite like the Third Century of the Roman Empire and much less the END as you wrote as power is still projected.
A rough equivalent of the massively risen cost of the Roman army in the Third Century that led to an inflationary crisis might be the de-industrialization of the USA your source implies.
(Grabe talaga kayo. Si i7sharp puro baybol si Micha puro Lenin. Youtube lang sakalam!)
“(Grabe talaga kayo. Si i7sharp puro baybol si Micha puro Lenin. Youtube lang sakalam!)”
Irineo,
Pakiliwanag lamang, please?
Please clarify.
Salamat.
The term is more synonymous or associated with dominance.
In order to enforce the peace, you need to prepare or be ready to deploy violence. Like the presence of an alpha male lion maintains detente between and among lesser rivals.
That kind of dominance has not “been long dead” as you said. It’s being increasingly challenged and is slowly ebbing away but not necessarily kaput presently. Russia and China are trying to dislodge the present hegemon, and they may as well in a few years especially with the projected re-installation of the mad emperor, but it still has the ability to flex some muscles.
Micha, thanks for that terminological clarification. I was thinking more in terms of pax as Latin for peace.
And yes, once more, we aren’t necessarily disagreeing as I have compared the present situation with Rome in the 3rd century, not close to the end like the late 5th century.
Still, the mad emperor as you call him may hasten the onset of a pentarchy, a more volatile constellation that was the norm before the two bloc standoff of the Cold War where there was no hegemon either, no Roman Empire.
In the old days and purely locally in Europe, the pentarchy was England, Russia, France, Germany, and Austria. The alliances shifted due to wars, and who was among the Big 5 or Concert of Powers shifted as well.
How can a pentarchy ensue? If, for instance, the Mad Emperor decides to let Russia have Europe, there are enough forces here that are going to push back. A group of powers de facto strong enough to deal with the Houthi along the Red Sea may end up totally devastated or become a serious major player. If it ends up devastated a la WW1 or WW2, the USA might come flying in with a superhero cape once more, late in the game, to fix our mess. OR similar to how the hegemon fixed our mess in the Balkans in the late 1990s by the intervention in Kosovo.
The Kosovo crisis indirectly brought Germany the gangster rapper Azet and the world via Britain the star Dua Lipa. Just as WW2 gave the US atomic technology via Euro exiles and rocket science via the not so voluntary exile, Wernher von Braun and his crew.
https://youtu.be/7HAbSDhEYtA?si=qW3ZefA5cgkF4FQ5
The outcome may yet be another Cold War with its focus on a sea with many names, a way more volatile front than the Iron Curtain. Child of the American sector of Berlin right here. Thank you, Kennedy, or I might never have been or have been raised speaking Russian.
And of course, the jejemons will benefit from the hegemon, possibly the already are. Pinoys. After Dutz of course the hegemon will be more doubtful of the loyalty of Filipinos who were before that – outside academic leftist and anti-Western nationalistic circles – pro-American. Cheapest shots I have experienced from those kinds of Filipinos are those who pretend to be anti-Western but live in the USA and like to deride Europe as past powers. De facto they have the llamado mentality, kapit sa panalo, looking down sa inaakalang dehado na. Utak alila din.
“CERAB (Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base) or Crow Valley Gunnery Range, and formerly the Tarlac Military Testing Ground, was the main bombing range of the United States Armed Forces in the western Pacific, and by the Armed Forces of the Philippines … is located in Camp O’Donnel …”
My code for the location is …
BTRCPOD.
btw, it is about 70 miles NNW of my birth-of-place barangay which I have coded …
BPMBCSV.
No, those codes are not found in the Baybol. 🙂
Irineo, sabi hegemon at hindi jejemon ha.
(For the US) to prevail militarily would mean rebuilding the industrial infrastructure that DC insiders have spent the last forty years jettisoning. The $60 billion that the Biden administration has been desperate to secure for Ukraine is more precisely to keep NATO’s loss to Russia from voters until after the 2024 election. Related, the 51-billion-euro war funding recently approved by the EU is a placeholder to keep the American, German, and French munitions manufacturers flush with cash to facilitate a permanent war against Russia. What success would look like in this scenario is the further concentration of Western economic production in ‘American’ hands, meaning oligarchs and corporate executives.
https://roburie.substack.com/p/imperialism-lenin-and-us-wars-abroad?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2
OT —
but with possible relevance to how Joe’s current blog topic may be viewed — depending on where the viewer belongs in the following groups. I asked AI ChatGPT a question on the groupings and below is its response. I may note that I am in the “Silent Generation” group. So does JoeAm. Sorry, if I depict you older than you may be, young fella. 🙂
Thanks for the great read on this topic, Joe. BTW, friend Lance is older than the Silent Generation. 😂
ChatGPT’s Response:
Certainly! The categorization of generations is somewhat fluid, and different sources may use slightly different date ranges. However, here are generally accepted date ranges for each of the mentioned generations along with some key characteristics:
Birth Years: Approximately 1928 to 1945.
Characteristics: Grew up during the post-World War II era. Experienced economic hardships, including the Great Depression. Often associated with traditional values, hard work, and a sense of duty.
Birth Years: Approximately 1946 to 1964.
Characteristics: Experienced a significant increase in birth rates after World War II. Witnessed major social and cultural shifts, including the civil rights movement and countercultural movements of the 1960s. Many Boomers entered the workforce during a time of economic growth.
Birth Years: Approximately 1965 to 1980.
Characteristics: Grew up during a period of economic and political uncertainty. Often considered the first generation of “latchkey kids” who had both parents working. Embraced technology as it evolved, experiencing the transition from analog to digital.
Birth Years: Approximately 1981 to 1996.
Characteristics: Came of age during the rise of the internet and digital technology. Experienced economic challenges, particularly during the 2008 financial crisis. Often associated with values such as diversity, inclusivity, and a desire for work-life balance.
Birth Years: Approximately 1997 to early 2010s (the end date varies).
Characteristics: Grew up with technology as an integral part of daily life.More diverse and globally connected than previous generations. Often associated with a strong emphasis on social justice, environmental issues, and individual expression.
It’s important to note that generational characteristics are generalizations, and individuals within each generation may vary widely in their experiences, values, and perspectives. Additionally, as time progresses, the characteristics associated with each generation may evolve.
I love Bing’s generated image on the theme “When beliefs overpower truth.”
Here is one of the four images Bing created for me on Microsoft Edge’s Copilot (I like your blog’s image better) on the same theme:
https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIG.LC3Tkb3b_ww1gXwkDhwL?w=173&h=173&c=6&r=0&o=5&dpr=1.7&pid=ImgGn
Here is another AI-generated image from Microsoft’s Image Creator:
https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIG.d8t0h17Hj9djTYsxZ07T?w=270&h=270&c=6&r=0&o=5&dpr=2.5&pid=ImgGn
This latter image is a cousin to the blog’s pic.
Oh, that one’s great!
Nice NH.
Before I thought Lance was in his 60s or 70s, but his narration of his tour of duty makes him seem my contemporary 50 ish. But I will trust your calculations since you are the math Authority here, NH.
Now with AI you are becoming the ART and imaging authority here as well.
🙂
🙂
I think he was born, oh, 1850 or so. Timeless, really, floats in the ether like a butterfly, stings like a corporal. Early on I thought he was more than one person because of different writing styles. I see he’s moved on from scarcity to chaos, so remains an enigma.
Speaking of scarcity, we have now Greta Thurnberg
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonmcgowan/2023/10/25/greta-thunbergs-stand-with-gaza-is-a-problem-for-the-climate-change-movement/?sh=57ab5f85375c
Yes, I fear she has gone a bit adrift.
It’s a principled stand, consistent with her humane progressive advocacy, opposing cruelty and genocide whoever is committing it.
In what ideological metric is she going adrift from?
Yes, good point. Well, I’ve not read her statements so should take my comment off the table. If she leads with criticism of Hamas, then more power to her.
Over-commitment. Greta Thunberg is biting more than she can chew — ika nga.
oh yes. now that houthi is rampaging because Iran told them to. what is her principled stand now? it is good that she is quiet about it. With due respect to Micha’s views, i have a different one, or slightly the same in a way. Right or wrong only history can tell. For me this latest one was started by Hamas, the consequences that followed has nothing to do with Muslims vs Jews or Zionists but proxy war, power play and the like. Genocide is bad no matter which side of the zero sum equation. But forcing children to war or be suicide bombers is another story. collateral damage for me are not just statistics of charge to experience, but something that got to be paid back in a way in the future like what happened in the past world wars.
man, what is up with this WP commenting section. my comments get lost in the ether. but was trying to say Joe’s right enigma is the brand here. lol. i promise i had a longer response to NH, karl’s and Joe’s comment. hope this goes thru.
but like Greta I think my commentary have been consistent. Trump everything was quiet cuz he was the center of attention. under Biden chaos and he’s not the center of attention. i dunno correlation vs. causation. i’m agnostic as to either.
for sure, Texas asylum seekers is his fault though. for sure.
bagong pilipinas, ika ni presidente marcos, I think, he means bagoong pilipinas! coz that’s what people will be eating when his cuz, romualdez, put our country tru’ chacha. people’s initiative has sangkaterbang signatures collected already and will seemingly forcibly bulldoze its way into history costing our country a whole lot more than the contents of the kaban ng bayan.
kaso, the duterte are standing on the way with ex president duterte again cussing bong marcos anew. as well, the mayor of dabaw, baste duterte, son of digong, calls bong marcos ‘lazy’. and with imee marcos and sara duterte both anti chacha at anti people’s initiative, romualdez is apparently besieged; but unfazed, secured mayhaps of the full support and tacit nod of his cuz, the president. to combat people initiave, both imee and sara ought to be creative and launch a campaign to collect signatures as well. see who got the most signatures! for or against chacha.
pero ang daming pinadalang green shirt sa event.
hakot green shirts! hakot signatures! seemingly old hakot tricks. and gotta love the war of words between digong and bong marcos; both accusing each other of drug use: digong for fentanyl, pbbm for cocaine.
though, pdea said pbbm’s name did not come up in narco list, digong’s as well, both well off hence beyond the reaches yata of pdea’s drug radar.
incidentally, doj remulla’s son was also accused of drug offenses but got off scotfree.
bagoong pilipinas, the kitchen is getting too hot kaya overseas bound na naman si pbbm, mayhap looking for quality bagoong in vietnam! though I must say, the best bagoong ever is here in our doorstep, steep in misery and suffering, its percentages cannot be hupa by mere 12 per cent people’s initiative.
pbbm has just attended coldplay concert, attended bagoong pilipinas rally, gave speech seemingly less animated than his musing on coldplay concert. then, he goes to visit vietnam.
im punit y= hmm punit eh. natrapik daw yung coldplay sikat na naman tayo.
From a socmed post:
Fentanyl vs Polvoron
Me mga nagsasabi pa na mag resign na dapat sya sa DEPED matapos lait laitin murahin ng erpat at utol nya si BBM. Oh well. We will see.
Now LCX is comparing Trump to Sara.
But when Trump was president all these asylum seekers stopped at Mexico’s southern border.
Then Biden gets elected and they all end up in Texas, not so much NM and AZ cuz of the Sonoran & Chihuahan desert, and Newsom ‘s got CA border closed.
I hope Abbott keeps sending asylum seekers to Chicago, DC and NYC so its covered. it s a serious problem that was stopped by Trump but
continued under Biden, and it was his policy to invite them whilst under Trump they were stopped at Mexicos southern border.
okay, its not posting up, let me try down here. sorry, gian. is WP doing something new again re commenting.
Biden is constrained by laws and funding. Trump’s mouth is not. Biden has a deal that would effectively shut the boarder but MAGA seeks to use the gullible as an election issue on it so will not allow it to be passed. Your beliefs are wrong, and doubling down on them to protect your argumentative integrity is exactly what most people do. The facts become irrelevant and true jerks like Trump rise on the fallout.
Not talking about the waiting legislation here , Joe. but Trump to Biden changing over, in which Biden rolled back Trump’s asylum seekers at Mexico’s southern border policy. it s not belief this actually happened. Biden invited them post Trump and they all showed up at the border hence where we are now.
This one’s better, Joe:
I remember TNT Filipinos during Trump most decided to return to the Philippines for fear of getting deported i guess amor propio.
Look at the trend line pre-covid. The root cause is neither Trump nor Biden, it is people living at the edge, where neither you nor I reside. Politicizing it is not problem-solving, it acerbates the problem. Half-baked beliefs, emotions, wrong data, fallacious arguments, defending our sensitive egos, these are modern issues. The chief failure of our times.
hat decline wasn’t Covid lockdown , Joe. that’s Trump’s Mexico as wall policy in which Mexico locked down its southern border, effectively closing down ours. it took awhile for Trump to convince Mexico to lock down its southern border. that’s the deep dip, that tinier dip in early 2020 thats Covid lockdown.
So given an open border, a closed border, or a border that processes people by policy, which is best for the United States? For humanity? For you?
For me, anything that replicates Canada’s and Australia’s will be productive, Joe.
And no more getting your whole extended family over just cuz you’re a citizen , nuclear family only. otherwise, go thru proper channels.
Skills and talent should be priority. like Noah’s ark, he didn’t let all animal s in, nor did God decree such absurd policy, the ark would capsize.
There should be limits. Not a free for all, Joe.
That’s about a close a synopsis of Biden’s immigration policy as I’ve seen. Which is fascinating, because if you strip out the posturing, the conspiracies, the bad info, the biases, most rational people want sense, like that you’ve outlined. There is intentional dirt (MAGA messing with immigration to ‘get’ Biden) accidental and ignorant dirt, and factual sense that balances nation, humanity, and self. Thank you.
Joe, we’re talking about two different things that’s why. I’m talking about Trump to Biden window which continues today wherein borders were opened.
You’re talking about Biden and senate legislation to over haul immigration which they’ve been trying to do since W. and then Obama. two different things, but in the end
Biden shoulda left Trumps Mexico as southern border arrangement alone, see the graphs again. it worked. That’s all my point was. Why didn’t Biden leave it as is after Trump?!!
I’m not Joe Biden so can only guess. He stopped building the wall, ended Trump’s declaration of emergency, and ended the entry ban on 14 mostly Muslim countries. So the short answer seems to be that he is a Democrat, left of center. He tried to pause deportations for 100 days but Texas sued and he was banned from doing so. So the additional answer seems to be that he is Catholic and rather compassionate in the style of the Pope. Thereafter, the history presented by Wikipedia reads like a rats nest of conflicting acts, court rulings, and other shenanigans too laborious to itemize here.
The simplest answer is that he is not Trump, and I personally am thankful he is not. But then, I’m a little left of center and compassionate myself, although not Catholic.
You are asking why he did not betray his base and his faith. Tough asks.
ps. I do think the O-1 (both A and B) visas for extraordinary talent should be expanded. thats a good program. same with the student visa holders studying in STEAM who wanna stay let corporations scoop ’em up or gov’t. they’re already here. but yeah, keep the rest away.
About MAGA politising the open border issue, here are the facts.
As Senator, Biden was adamantly against illegal immigration. Recall his 2007 “No great nation has uncontrolled borders” speech.
His campaign promise : Welcome to all who want to come. Tear down that fence, Trump.
10m illegal newcomers later – reality of crimes and economic cost came home to roost.
Poll numbers is a wake up call and Dems are in panic mode. Many see Democrats’ and Independents now see open borders is a bad idea.
Biden is now ready to negotiate with Congress. Send the $B aid money to Ukraine and he will close the border.
Kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
Nice synopsis.
He didn’t invite them. That is MAGA spin. He promised an orderly path to legal entry rather than a wall, but retained Trump’s no entry policy because of a lack of ability to process those wanting in. The border has to be rebuilt after Covid and Trump, two scourges on American well-being. I found this article informative. Immigration is a global problem as real people drown in the Mediterranean and Rio Grande, driven from their homes by threat, violence, and poverty. Trump will drive them into the river. Biden and non-MAGA Republicans want to rebuild the entry controls and processes, like rational and compassionate human beings.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/04/13/biden-title-42-border-asylum-immigration-481097
ps, Politico is a right wing publication now, so basically views Biden as the problem no matter what he does. Here, because he did NOT change Trump entry policies, he is making migrants jump the fence.
It incentivized coming is my point here, Joe. invite, dog whistle, however you wanna label it Biden announced the borders open again. sure you can say more humanitarian that way, and I won’t disagree. I’m simply saying Trump made every effort to stop them, Biden didn’t. so here we are.
Yes, I agree, Trump hates people of color, if they are not rich, as he sneers at dead servicemen. His policies will reflect that bias.
The chart starts with covid years so it is likely gamed for effect.
The first chart is from the Economist, the 2nd is from BBC, but all from the same source US CBP.
Joe, i do think Filipinos should be protesting outside the US Embassy there 24/7 for 2024 and demanding that the US be fair. Demand that they be air lifted get dropped off in Mexico so they too can make it to the southern border of the USA and take advantage of the open border. as an American ally country, at least air lift Filipinos to Mexico even things out. what are friends for, its only fair.
Very OT
I do not have an ear for music, especially now with hearing aids [it may just be my case but though the sound volume is amplified, the sound comes out distorted — in spite of the HA being technically designed for me to correct for hearing volume-frequency defects].
That aside, can one explain to me in a few words — I know Irineo and JoeAm, among others, have good ears for music — the Taylor Swift phenomenon? In the context of the current blog’s “belief versus truth” theme?
I’m a Swiftie, NH. I think its her constant reinvention. then a bit of solipsism on her part re her song writing. Kinda similar to Madonna, I’m a big Madonna fan too. simple song catchy lyrics and she sticks to what she knows which is her SELF, hence the solipsism but its a general kinda knowledge everyone can relate to.
my favorite songs: Never grow up and the Best day. listen to those first and you’ll be a Swiftie too. don’t cry.
You made my day, Lance. I will listen to those two songs you recommended. Thanks.
Crying will be OK too, if it comes to that.
53% of americans say they are Taylor swift fans, but as a stats expert do you believe in sws self rated poverty surveys as to chance of sincerity? How many in those 53 percent were sincere Taylor Swift fans.
Just complying with your belief vs truth context.
Rock on NH! Music is life.
I’ll isolate this link from the thread of immigration. This is regarding LCX’s assertion that Texas had an influx of asylum seekers because of Biden. If that is not what you implied LCX, speak out.
Circa 2021 article.
https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/human-rights-first-decries-texas-immigration-laws-and-urges-biden-administration-to-take-immediate-action/
karl, Joe, chemp, et al. I’m not asking about the politics of all this I’m merely asking if USA under Trump got Mexico closing up its southern border effectively closing our southern border up, what is the wisdom in rolling that back?
Biden went with Trump’s getting out of Afghanistan (which I have no problems with strategically though tactically things coulda been better). So theres examples of Biden going along with Trumpian policies especially decoupling from China.
Afghanistan and China were Trumpian. and Biden went along with it. But Mexico Biden all of sudden wanted to move the influx of illegal immigrants closer to home?!!! does not compute. ergo, its Biden’s fault, which is my main contention here. Biden owns the southern border mess.
that’s my point. I don’t know why this is so offensive, the southern border mess is Biden’s. period. He owns it.
Maybe Biden made a mistake by trying to cater to his base? Have you joined the ranks of 100 percenters who accept no flaws in humankind elected to lead, and therefore will elect a rapist, insurrectionist, con man, tax cheat, dealer in state secrets to exact your revenge on the people who elected that flawed President? As far as I can tell, that is the Trump base in a nutshell. Vengeful 100 percenters. We will suffer for that. The migrants, they’ll do what people on the edge do. Struggle to make it. The best choice, it seems to me, is to implement the bipartisan immigration bill and fix the problem in a rational, orderly way. Then vote smart, not emotional.
There’s only like 8 or so states that will determine who’ll be the next president, Joe. To that, here s my insight. chempo awhile back when we were talking about that Maricopa county recount where in he insinuated helicopters etc. he said the 2020 election was stolen. and I said, most MAGAs I know have moved on. and they did at least for many i know. I know two types of MAGA, MAGA lite which is more plentiful IMHO who couldve cared less about that Maricopa recount already moved on, then MAGA heavy who have trucks with big Trump flags but still would not have gone to that Jan. 6 get together cuz they work have jobs. well MAGA lite were talking about DeSantis and Haley even that Ramaswamy dude. DeSantis in particular was popular but then these lawsuits and court cases caught up in the media and it became a fire storm for Trump got him in the lime light again. so much so that MAGA lite folks i know are now backing Trump just to see what would happen to those court cases if he in fact won. So its not emotional so much as curiosity now, Joe, thus Trumps huge popularity right now. People now really wanna know what happens to a guy thats got back to back to back court cases, will those just disappear once President? curiosity is now driving this, Joe.
Curiosity over community values, a rapist over a decent human. That’s emotions over sense.
Fear is an emotion. and i’ll concede fear is the driving force for much of MAGA. but why Trump is suddenly on fire, well what’s going on there. I’m saying its curiosity they’re rallying around Trump curious if they can get a dude thats been sued up the ass, if they can get him off that hook. the danger in that is Dems can be as curious they’ll vote for Trump or like with Hillary just stay home not be complicit but still scratch that itch of what happens to all these lawsuits if Trump becomes president again. so dangerous. emotional you can easily counter with propaganda and psyops, but curiosity well that’s what killed the cat, its instinct. something baser.
That applies to underdogs or odds on not favorites, but Is Trump an underdog? Then whose playing victim now?
*who’s but you get it.
Curiosity is a strange rationale for ending the American experiment in democracy, fairness, freedoms, and the incredible idea that Americans have the integrity of being in it together, willingly and in good faith.
I think the solution is to come clean. Biden can and before Nov can say I was wrong by rolling back on Trump’s Mexico as the wall policy. But look I decoupled us from China and this and that… and Trump’s Abraham Accords is still holding etc etc. essentially pull Trump’s successes and make it his which they were eventually, just fess up on the border issue then sell the bipartisan legislation, eg. i was wrong. Lastly, someone before Nov needs to take responsibility of all these lawsuits these were obviously coordinated but it back fired so come clean with it and throw it all out before Nov so Trump doesn’t get to use his court cases and appearances as free air time for the national. no sense in looking strong when frailty is your brand, so pivot to remorse contrition I’m old i gotta fix things that sort of stuff, Joe.
Biden is bound by laws and budget. What you should demand is that Republicans stop playing games with immigration for political gain and pass a tough law that Republicans want and Biden will accede to. Biden will substantially shut the Mexican border if that’s what it takes to fund Ukraine arms. Chempo was right about that. The bad guys are Republicans, not Biden. Repeat 1,000 times so it becomes a part of your soul to comprehend this.
But Biden is not shutting the border down, Joe.
He will under proper laws and budgets. It’s not that simple. Where is that photo? When? What is the story around it? Give us some context rather than slapping it up as a condemnation of Biden. One cannot get intelligent discussion, understanding, or solutions with memes.
@LCX, What’s your take on this article?
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/18/us-mexico-immigration-border-crisis
sorry, Joe. i thought that photo would be popular already. SCOTUS ruled in favor of Biden last week that Abbott needed to take down his barbed wires. so that’s the feds lifting up barbed wires for illegal immigrants to come thru.
as for the article, yes I do understand that many are getting deported on the spot. but a bunch especially with kids get to stay again the kids are being used here specifically for that thats why kids were separated during Trump cuz many werent related to these kids. with that said, we go back to Mexico as wall policy.
ad nauseum I know, but why did Biden roll that policy back. see how everything goes back to Trumps Mexico as wall policy and why Biden rolled it back because that whether or not youre compassionate or humane that doesn’t make sense. they were stuck at Mexico’s southern border.
the sensible thing to do maybe not bleeding heart i know but the sensible thing to do was to leave them there, thus disincentivizing coming over and having to go thru barbed wires, now being lifted by Biden. makes Biden look bad.
think about it many Filipinos actually qualify for all those asylum claim but they cannot get to the border because they’d have to fly to Mexico first. so barriers whether economic, or state borders , natural border , is whats preventing them from coming over.
If Biden wanted to be fair he’d fly Filipinos to Mexico too to claim asylum. its discrimination , Joe. tongue in cheek of course but you get the point. fair is fair.
ps. the SCOTUS decision and the stand off with TX by the way is the point of i7sharp’s cartoon below, eg. why go to war over barbed wire (technically concertina wire). leave it there, its disincentivizing crossing over. woulda been more humane behind Mexico’s southern border, but oh well. Disincentivizing is the point. why not help TX out, by doing so will also prevent NYC or DC or Chicago from being overran by illegal immigrants, Joe. and Dem mayors are already being vocal on this.
I read a great line today that I’ll paraphrase, dealing with complex National/State/Local dealings on immigration.
“Texas wants to use funds to build a wall. California wants to use funds to provide health care for immigrants. Biden wants to give immigrants a path to citizenship. Trump wants to deport immigrants.”
I tend to see immigration as controllable with thoughtful laws and funding, but immigrants are MAGAs Jews, a hot button to rally emotional and uninformed people behind a fascist leader. So they are using it to pound Biden, and are successful at it.
Newsom has national guards at the border, Joe. similar to what Abbott is doing. but CA’s border infrastructure is a lot more complete, walls and deserts. so CA national guards are simply helping out Border Patrol. TX border is a lot more porous. there’s not the same infrastructure as in CA no walls. AZ and NM have the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, only the most committed crose there. sure eventually those illegal immigrants walking into TX end up in CA and thus Newsom’s medical care, which I agree health care needs to be available otherwise its back to the dark ages. also DACA i’m hearing Dreamers are kicking as in UC campuses all over, so these things help and ROIs aplenty. again I’m pro UBI and Universal Healthcare, but at the same time I also think its a Noah’s Ark event happening now, you cannot keep the borders open. So TX is correct keep those barbed wires there and keep the wave upon wave of illegal immigrants at bay, no amount of laws can stop people breaking down your doors, Joe. fix that that’s first priority. close it down, then have them return to their homes and apply, for visa for asylum where they are at the American embassy at their home country or a 3rd party country. just like Filipinos, what’s good for Filipinos should be good for everyone else. otherwise, Biden needs to fly Filipinos to the border so they can get in too. fair is fair, Joe.
I have learned a lot from this thread. I also learned that one assume good faith first, and judging will come later and it maybe kept to one self or not. Turn preconceived notions to pre-conceived lotions for smooth sailing.
I concur . 😮
ger this out of my chest.
it is documented that I went ballistic with lcx on his views with ejo, being pro covid,etc
but I want to express my disappointment with xhempo’s only 5 or 6 deaths. Man, one is one too many especially when it is close to home.
Lije what Usaid about collateral damage, they are not just statistics.
call me emotional, damn straight I am.
karl, this all connects to my beloved inday Sara too, you guys don’t want her so stop covering her. the more you target her the more she’s in the news cycle the more she gets free coverage the less Filipinos will forget. hell, i’d suggest maybe propping up PBBM’s son hows that for unity. but its these free media attention. how to forget someone is key here. And lawsuits are not it, everyone needs to understand that someone screwed up by levying all these lawsuits on Trump. so news black out on Inday Sara.
ps. I can say this and still be pro Inday Sara cuz I know Filipinos are more Lifestyle news readers than real news. so it won’t happen. Filipinos love tsismis too much. LOL.
Unfortunately bad publicity is still publicity and evidence is undermined by belief.
The publicity overshadows the truth because of all the perception is reality stuff.
Lying as per Dr. Gregory House
The long version.
https://images.app.goo.gl/uCNr7sJcWZgyecABA
Billy Joel got it right.
my answer to that is the song before H and O got out of touch.
Speaking of out of touch, it could be you, me,anybody or everybody.
Nobody screwed up. They are government agencies that followed the law, in Georgia, in Florida, in New York, and in Washington DC. The frivolous lawsuits were the 60 or so filed by Trump to try to prove election fraud in numerous states. All, as in every single fucking one, were tossed out of the courts.
Joe, you bring up a good point about Trump’s election fraud lawsuits. and perfectly relevant to your blog re evidence. they were tossed out precisely because they lacked evidence. they had a hypothesis sure but failed to show cause. same with Hunter Biden case theres a good hypothesis there but w/out evidence all they got him for was tax evasion and some gun charge. all boils down to evidence.
if you’re a DA or US atty. or even Atty. General for the state, worth your salt you’d see first if you have something tangible. without anything tangible you have he said she said, those things don’t go so well in the court of public opinion which seems like what they were going for and why I’m saying it all back fired on them big time.
so if they chose to pursue these stupid no evidence lawsuits they better put Trump in jail before Nov. but I doubt it. all court cases on Trump right now are weak w/out merit. only serving to bolster him.
Not the rape case, or the NY fraud case. Both convictions. On what basis do yo say the others are weak?
As far as I know theres no rape case (statutory or physical) that I know of, Joe. I do know that the legal definition of rape lately has been changing, eg. foreign object or digital penetration is now counted as rape, whereas prior it was just penis to vagina, but i guess in the LGBTQplus community dudes also get rooffied and raped by other dudes only theres no vaginas involve. but in the case of Trump i know he has a bunch of cases for sexual assault, but all those again are of the he said she said variety. if you’re talking about the Carroll case, remember Carroll’s team changed rape to sexual assault and that’s what Trump was charged, not rape. again because of physical evidence for real rape cases they have rape kits , Joe. something that happened decades ago, usually no rape kits will help. so its up to a jury to decide, again he said she said. but heres the synopsis: “Carroll said that on her way out of the store she ran into Trump and he asked for help buying a gift for a woman. After she suggested a handbag or a hat, the two reputedly moved on to the lingerie section and joked about the other trying some on. Carroll said they ended up in a dressing room together, the door of which was shut, and Trump forcefully kissed her, pulled down her tights and raped her before she was able to escape. She stated that the alleged incident lasted less than three minutes, during which time there was no sales attendant present in the department.” Now obviously women can lie, and thats why rape kits are important and that there be other proofs like defensive wounds etc. lots of rape cases and domestic violence type cases in the military , Joe, many of the he said she said variety. as for NY fraud case, think about it. don’t you think other rich families and corporations do this? they drop value down when being taxed, they pad values up when leveraging properties for loans. i’d agree with the findings of this case if they get other rich people in NY and other places too. as for the other cases, again theres no physical evidence, many cases are public opinion type cases like the fraud case in NY, highly interpretive but if you get a bunch of jury members that already hate Trump then easy to convict. until theres conviction like real convictions, Joe, I have a feeling all these cases will simply disappear come Nov. if Trump wins which he seems likely to do. if not then yeah put him in jail, but like i said i’ve not seen a case covered in the news where you can definitively say yeah he’s guilty of that crime. But my point in all this is that these cases are free media coverage for him.
Your beliefs conflict with the court convictions. Yes, if he wins, he’ll be as innocent as the new fallen white male snow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8Rq5CJBWnk
Was there rape, I don’t think there was Joe. I mean you’re in the dressing room trying on lingerie for a dude who just asked you what he should get as present for some lady friend. I don’t mean to victim blame here, but if she did get raped trying on lingerie when the question was just a simple what should I get as present, then had I been part of that jury we would have one contentious diliberation guaranteed. As for square footage fraud, watch that video above, its really par for the course in NY. why Trump got dinged for it is obvious.
So we are supposed to hold your belief in higher regard than the court conviction? Chempo also thinks his view of sentencing is better than the judge’s, who has spent a lifetime dealing with the law. There is an arrogance to that, I think. The arrogance of ignorance because you didn’t hear the testimony. The arrogance of belief, over facts. So much dirrrrt tossed into the conversation.
My point has always been the court of public opinion vis a vis Trump’s free back to back media coverage. I’m not even GOP and I’m thinking this, Joe. What do you think most people especially in the 8 or so states that will matter what are they thinking? the national election will not be won in NY or CA. so what juries from Dem cities and states think of these cases won’t matter. its the fact that theres no evidence being levied here and again as it relates to your current blog: beliefs overpowering evidence. when theres no evidence that’s kinda easy to do is my overarching point here all goes back to your interpretation and opinion. Again these lawsuits backfired big time, Joe.
Welcome to the emo club. It’s a compassionate place.
Thank you for having me.
“call me emotional, damn straight I am.”
If I recall right, Edgar (Lores) did not get even close to being emotional.
Or was he just able to rein it in really well?
Let’s see what, if any, this (cartoon by Branco) does. 🙂
This one i think you’ll like, i7. but realistically USA can fight in multiple fronts, though I agree Biden needs to keep the borders closed while they fix things legislatively not opened nor should he be fighting with Abbott on this. Abbott is right to spread the mess around so it becomes a Democrat cities problem too so they pressure Biden. like I said this is Biden’s big mess, he needs to fix it before Nov. they are closing down schools and parks in order to house illegals bused in by Abbott.
It was Biden’s mess, but, accurately, today it is the Republican mess as they have no intention of helping Biden solve the problem.
One instance Edgar got emotional was when he gave LCX the F bomb, but overall, he handled things with finessse.
BTW that youtube summary app I suggested. No need it is in the description of the youtube video.
2,507 views Premiered Mar 29, 2021Bardcast #15 (airing on facebook.com/bardcode and / thebardcode , Sunday, March 28th, 2021 at 10am PST) continues Alan’s exploration of the tragic Ethiopia massacre outside the church in Axum that supposedly housed the missing Ark of the Covenant. On Bardcast 13 Alan revealed his astonishing news that the King James Bible engravings contain detailed codes about the Ark of the Covenant. Yet for all the intriguing new information there are just as many new questions to be answered: Why do the codes list two of everything (Arks, tablets, kaporets, etc.)? Where is the real site of Solomon’s temple? Why were the Knights Templar so focused on the Ark? Why was Alan led to this discovery now, at this particular moment in history? The story continues.
=====
Now as to the old english equivalent of donkeys. Millenials and genzs might find that funny :”asses”. By the way donkeys might distort your KJB numerology.
“Now as to the old english equivalent of donkeys. Millenials and genzs might find that funny :”asses”. By the way donkeys might distort your KJB numerology.”
Karl, I am not into “numerology,” per se.
The numbers related to the matter about Genesis 1:1, Revelation 22:21, and 1 John 5:7 were discovered by a Filipino, Periander Esplana, from Naga City.
I brought up Genesis 36:24 because the word “tainted” that was used in a posting by a.d.o. somehow immediately brought to my mind the seemingly useless/misplaced comma in the verse.
Remember?:
https://joeam.com/2023/09/18/leni-robredo-is-the-same-leni-robredo/#comment-484846
And, this time, I intentionally brought “ass, donkey, …” into the picture for another reason (related to beliefs or evidence). Let me just mention, for now, that the word “donkey” is not found in the KJB.
Thanks and I meant mo offense by calling it numerology.
Yemen
The word “ימם (yemem)”, translated as “mules” in the KJV, appears only once in the Bible. Modern translations such as the ESV and NIV follow the Latin Vulgate and translate it as “hot springs”.
YEMEM
Freudian slip excuse because Yemen is still on a rampage
From Amir Tsarfati telegram:
Ship carrying 16,000 sheep and cattle stranded off Australia
A ship carrying around 14,000 sheep and 2,000 cattle is marooned off the coast of Australia in sweltering heat after it was forced to abandon a trip through the Red Sea, causing outcry from people concerned about the animals’ welfare.
The vessel left Australia on Jan. 5 for Israel, where it was to unload, but diverted from its course in mid-January due to the threat of attack by Yemen’s Houthi militia before being ordered home by the Australian government.
The animals are now in limbo and could be discharged in Australia, where biosecurity rules would require them to quarantine, or sent back to sea for a month-long journey to Israel around Africa, avoiding the Red Sea, industry officials and the government said.
The stranding underscores the widening impact of militia strikes on ships in the Red Sea, the main maritime route between Europe and Asia, which have disrupted global trade.
(Reuters)
I meant the Houthis.
“Ya-man” not from Jamaica ?
As to my emotions.
Edgar would on occasion lose his cool, as he did with LCX. He refused to engage with him. As for the propaganda meme, it is quite amusing, but represents the dirty data that gets spewed across social media every day. It is opinion aimed at inflaming. It doesn’t build anything. It is not factual. It is simplistic, ignorant, and naive.
LCX,
Bad publicity is good publicity may also work for Biden.
That Psalms passage, I am sure that is how Biden won as president too, though I do not encourage anyone to pray for anyone to have his days numbered and be replaced.
Soul-David-Solomon if we remove solomon we got.
It is Saul….But I already made my typo so I thought of the late great David Soul.
karl, re Edgar (RIP) it was chempo’s Bangladesh bank heist blog where I positted that Filipinos will surely be involved and I believe some bank managers were in fact involved after the fact but yeah I was just playing Colombo with hypothesis and Edgar found it offensive. ps. are you watching Night Country, i’m not a fan of the True Detective franchise and never understood how it attracted big named actors. but Jodie Foster in this one and the story over all is just really good cuz theres elements of supernatural too.
No, but will read the synopsis if it is at par with x files or Supernaturals
Read about it but unlike netflix where you can watch at your own pace except the live streams, you have to wait for it in HBO, will search a YT clip. Or maybe one day, hbo will “share” it with Netflix.
Re 17sharp’s numerology
If donkeys will distort your numerology, Mules would not.
Asses =5 letters
Mules= 5 letters
The thing is mules are couriers of illegal contraband nowadays.
OT, break time. Especially for LCPL_X:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/910390764059507?s=yWDuG2&fs=e
And for Joe, the somewhat more serious stuff:
Meanwhile, I hope that the Snowman NHerrera is not too frozen in Canada.
Last but not least, for all who might think American politics has gotten crazier than Philippine politics:
P.S. does it make any difference if we are in the end mules, donkeys, or asses?
https://9gag.com/gag/ap5vdZD
I am in full cognitive dissonance now.. and asking myself some serious questions on those Mexicans who drink two liters or more of Coca-Cola daily.
It stuns me to know that Disney and Taylor are enemies of anyone. Boy what a pollyanna pussy I was taught to be in school, scouts, and church. I didn’t know I was supposed to hate on decent people.
Donald Duck stole Trump’s first name. That is in itself unforgivable. 😉
LCPL_X BTW is cognitive dissonance embodied. He should watch more Gigi. Possibly also more from Senator Tulfo’s foreigner and Filipina cases:
Ireneo, i actually prefer Gigi before the nose job. as for Sen. Tulfo’s video, i just caught the “i can have sex with your sister” part and already know what its about , so stopped there. two stories, not necessarily from Mango Ave. woman gets K-1 visa to go to US she already has a daughter so also K-2 visa. gets married to a foreigner i think in Nevada although they eventually move to CA. after like 5 years , daughter is in middle school. her adopted father has sex with her. she has a daughter. mother stuck between a rock and a hard place has cognitive dissonance. decides the best course of action is just to sweep everything under the rug, amor propio and all that good stuff. so she tells people it was her 2nd daughter. so she becomes grandma mom at the same time. allows dad to keep boinking daughter, but takes extra care with contraceptives and even abortions. daughter runs away from home as soon as she could, her sister-daughter stayed with her mom never knowing anything. now they’re one happy family. second story, this one was in the 80s of a teacher i guess back then teachers were really into penpals. so she caught one, who visited Philippines and married her on the spot, takes her back to California of all places they have a bigger wedding celebration and honeymoon in like Big Sur perfect idyllic he was rich then after honeymoon period she gets proposed by her husband for a foursome, she’s like I love my husband why not. then that foursome becomes orgies, then she realizes hey this is some sort of cult i married into. attempts to flee. gets imprisoned, somewhere in Malibu in the santa monica mountains. she writes notes so workers or delivery people that come by and drops ’em. eventually one delivery dude or maybe a plumber gets that note and sends it to proper authorities and she gets rescued.
I also had a crush on Gigi prior to the nose job. I stopped reading the parts of your comment showing the typical stereotypical side of lcx.
You didn’t watch Ireneo’s video?
I think I will pass.
Keeping warm here, Irineo.
Re your note (below) about cognitive dissonance , my eyes at my age focus on the word cognitive or its derivatives or associations — like dementia — in my readings.
I was reading an article the other day in relation to Special Counsel Hur’s comment on Pres Biden’s memory. It said that in old age one has to distinguish between memory loss and what the author says is just a “retrieval failure” at the moment, something which comes later but not a memory loss.
An old person may remember that he has a brother and a sister but has a RF of their ages. Not remembering that he has brother and or sister is another matter.
Hahaha, I am encountering RF more and more at 85. 🙂
Duterte wants to do a signature campaign for Mindanao secession. Haist.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/895982/zubiri-pimentel-on-duterte-plan-to-separate-mindanao-from-ph-last-thing-we-want/story/
If he keeps that up he won’t have to worry about the ICC. He’ll get locked up here for sedition.
Yes he will.
Its bait, DU30 trying to get Inday Sara elected. best thing to do is news black out. Though if it does become official, something like the two already existing autonomous regions would be a win for DU30.
Your prescription of news blackout will not mean no news is good news. Why blackout when you said that people do not read news headlines here and only lifestyle pages and gossip.
The purpose of Mindanao seccession is like TX secession. if you treat it like an actual crime instead of just political rhetoric you’ll fall directly into DU30’s trap. if criminal proceedings happen you’ll effectively play into the very positive feedback loop that DU30 intended, karl. with DU30 in the news ala Trump, Inday Sara will simply stroll into Malacanyang come 2028. the game here is how to forget the Dutertes. answer news black out.
ps. isn’t it like 4am there now, karl? why are you and Joe awake so early?
Sleep is a huge waste of living time.
You woke me up hehe
A news blackout that happened in the middle of the ball game never worked. A news black out hush hush will work if you hide things before public knowledge. Yes people forget, but people also get triggered. Many ships have sunk because of loose lips and that’s a fact in the library of Congress.
Yah- not from Jamaica 🙂
For ISK
Am just messing up! Want you to be jolly as always Mr. Librarian.
Thank you ISk for that jollibbee I mean jolly moment.
On curiosity: Its one of those tools that can kill you or others, or do wonders like McGyver does with his swiss army knife, I think there is no episode in the original or remake he used that even for self defense.
I mean directly.
OT: Michelle Malkin (of Filipino heritage, icydk)
It occurred to me just now that I have not seen or heard anything about her for sometime.
Could her case/example be instructive?
her face sounds familiar…..please refresh my memory and as to what are her causes. If she is with Jim Stark then they would be rebels without a cause.
Red Flags imo
Her perceived Islamophobic and ultra nationalist white supremacist associations and advocacies. For me , they are red flags, to each his own.
Karl, I tried to reply to you – trying twice actually – but somehow apparently something went wrong – and I still can’t figure it out.
It woiked! It woiked this time!!!
If you have three or more links in a comment, the comment will not be published until reviewed.
Not three links, Joe.
And it happened again just now.
The post was about (my “belief”) … the HondaJet in the Philippines in 2025.
They are being routed to the spam file. One had 13 links so it has probably remembered you and tossed subsequent posts with links to spam. It happened to Karl as well a week ago when he mistakingly posted a lot of links. I can’t do anything about that and suggest you post without links for a while to teach the system that you are not spamming.
I’ve approved the Honda post and extracted it.
Thank you, Joe!
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-01-31/honda-aircraft-celebrates-delivery-250th-hondajet
I know it says “250,” not “2025.”
I post this,
https://simpleflying.com/honda-jet-price-2024/
more for a “simplicity” (than for the content)
that I found while browsing the article.
The article itself is excellent, well-written, and … simple, imo.
In the next post, I hope to be able to point out simply
the “simplicity” referred to.
As we know by now, Leonardo da Vinci is supposed to have said:
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
May I simply refer to the logo of “Simple Flying”?:
The “O” that looks like an airplane window.
Can you summarize without the links. I am interested to read what that was all about
the one that was not posted is it about malkin?
Karl, actually I don’t think it has shown up yet. And I don’t think I hv tried to post anything with more than two links.
I will try to post again what i recalled posting about Malkin.
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-01-31/honda-aircraft-celebrates-delivery-250th-hondajet
HondaJet – 250
HondaJet in the Philippines – in 2025
It’s the numbers; I could not help myself! 😊
if numbers make you happy. Plus your aviation roots too.
if you like numbers and Filipinos in American pop culture, i7sharp, you should be Googling John Ramirez, UFO and 2027. https://www.brandsynario.com/aliens-expected-in-2027-ex-cia-agent-reveals/
Thanks, Lance. First time to learn of John Ramirez.
it maybe related to this, i7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFlu60qs7_4 (watch)
Lance,
x-
How One Line in the Oldest Math Text Hinted at Hidden Universes
Veritasium
14.7M subscribers
6.1M views 3 months ago
Discover strange new universes …
-x
Much of it is waaaay over my head!
“And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” 1 Corinthians 8:2
We are still discovering now what God (the Divine Providence, the Provenance) had created.
*STILL DISCOVERING* (What does that say about what think we know pat?)
I think John Ramirez is onto something, granted this wasn’t his expertise while in gov’t. but upon retirement he married his interest in UFO/aliens to his analytical skills experience and thats that. Another person you should be Googling is Jacques Vallée, that French dude from Close Encounters is based on him. he’s based out of Silicon Valley.
I had meant to write “… know down pat.”
Lance, re Vallee, based on this,
“More recently, he has been associated with Robert Bigelow as a consultant to the National Institute for Discovery Science and a member of the scientific advisory board of Bigelow Aerospace …”
I would say it could be interesting check on “the UFO Pastor” https://ufopastor.com/about/) who has written/talked about Bigelow many times. I still have to see what he means by this:
“Article written by the German reporter that met the UFO Pastor at the MUFON conference. It is written in German but if you are using Chrome or EDGE browser it will translate the article to English. Hats off to Arndt Peltner who wrote a very favorable article!!!”
The discussion between JoeAm and chemrock on law enforcement, covid, protests vs. riot and the politics behind them is very enlightening.
Beliefs seems prejudicial to me. Here’s an 8 minute video clip in the Judiciary Committee Hearing .
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4895657/chairman-nadler-attorney-general-barr-exchange-federal-law-enforcement-us-cities
isk, et al. whats interesting about the chempo & Joe interaction is how they can’t even find common ground. granted I think chempo has always been conservative as a person whilst Joe has always been a bleeding heart type. although they do both hate DU30. so they converge when it comes to Philippines. which is really weird. where Joe can be open minded when it comes to Inday Sara–though now I think his opinion of her has solidified– chempo on the other hand would have never considered Inday Sara (but he never commented pro or con so i dunno). Joe can’t understand chempo’s “sudden” shift but theres really no shift he just when from expertise to the realm of opinions. which is fine people can have opinions. whereas Joe has no shift cuz he’s always been a bleeding heart type. Ireneo’s cowboy, preacher and businessman archetypes of Americans. Joe’s a preacher. but chempo’s also a preacher as evidence by his God blogs. my interest is more towards chempo’s worldview, Joe is a typical archetype. my parents were hippies and think similarly. chempo though is a mystery to me, only since watching Crazy Rich Asians did i realize Singaporeans were Protestants. so I’m wondering where that connection originated and how that connection gets sustained, or is chempo simply watching youtube videos, social media, etc. but for sure its American evangelicalism, which is what got Pac-man converted (no more rosary). Filipinos are turning more protestant evangelical these with the multitude of missions from USA there. so too Taiwanese. and S. Koreans. not Japanese though most Japanese here are agnostic, you’ll see Korean and Taiwanese churches, but no Japanese. so both chempo and Joe stem out of the preacher archetype. only the snake oil both are selling are each others antidotes. thus the friction. they have blinders on that don’t allow then to see eye to eye, but can still kick so kicking they are (joe does engage more on ad hominems this i agree with chempo). like oil and water. so until each provides actual solid evidence, none will budge which is consistent to the intent of the current blog about beliefs and evidence. highly interpretive when no actual evidence exist. for me, isk, is given the intel of Jan. 6 who decided not to have extra personnel and not to have extra barriers, 6 months prior was the BLM summer at DC which means all they had to do was get those barriers set back up and get back extra personnel lined up outside. the hearings never addressed this. again, IMHO Jan. 6 was a crowd control issue, barriers and personnel would’ve prevented it. so chempo’s correct in this regard there is more obfuscation. but he’s wrong that MAGA rioters were peaceful.
Nice assessment.
An informative read. https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-capitol-riot-watchdog-report-1.5986752
Yes nice assessment LCX.
Your post causes me to think that our ignorance, or partially informed beliefs, is a big problem that exists because of tunnel vision data gathering. The old echo chamber effect. The MAGA cult syndrome. The unbending 100% club, immune to opposing data. Social media built it. Technology. Yet technology should be able to do away with it with the advent of AI search, of which Bard is prominent. Don’t know why capitol police were unprepared? Ask Bard. Our ignorance is solvable. We can be objectively informed. Only intentional gamers will refuse to inform themselves. And, as has always been the goal, we can share intelligence here rather than impose ignorance. Hallelujah! Fall down, brother!
re the above article, Joe , it still doesn’t answer those questions as to who made decisions to not take up more personnel and more barriers. if Jan. 6 happened by itself then that article would make sense. maybe. but i’ve read the full findings that this article is based on and it fails to address that Jan. 6 happened within a wider context that was DC from summer of 2020 to Jan. 6. with BLM plus all the election stuff then that Dec and so on. the findings fall short because of that. WH which was the focus of BLM’s ire was armed to the tee, granted Secret Service is not Capitol Police i’m sure. but Capitol Police during BLM did set up for BLM there was an article which actually had those barriers they had at the WH stood up in Capitol Hill , Joe. so they had ’em. National guard were deployed to Capitol HIll as well. so all they needed to do during Jan. 6 was deployed the same barriers and same personnel as that summer. but they didn’t. So there was a decision given the intel not to follow thru with it. hell even the BLM protestors after the fact complained how easy it was for Jan. 6 protestors to get in the Capitol lawn when they themselves were stopped by Nat’l guard troops and metro police horses before even getting close. so context matters when you evaluate narratives, Joe. i’m just surprise BLM didn’t also cover the LT. Mike Byrd shooting, as you know BLM started here in socal at Cal State LA over two LAPD shootings one in Skid Row and one in Venice both involving homeless black men and black police officers who shot dead two homless black men point black range very similar to Lt. Mike Byrd, both were use of force situations but unarmed and no immediate threat lack justification for lethal force by firearm. both were let go by LAPD being out of policy shootings but DA Lacey (black woman) did not want to prosecute thus BLM was born. again context. theres a narrative they wanna push on you, you gotta critical think it through. context is important. is my point. here’s the lethal force justifications again as reminder:
When I lived near the Munich slaughterhouse and the Oktoberfest, I read about the 4th case happening two times. One was about a cow that bolted the gates of the slaughterhouse and gave a run all the way to the Oktoberfest grounds. Rammed a police car that tried to stop it. Ran all the way to just under the Bavaria statue and on a way going uphill was shot. Saw where, as animal rights activists put flowers and candles on the spot where the cow was killed.
Another was about a bull that managed to break free before getting drugged. The one who had the job of killing these animals, modern and efficient with a bolt in the head, told me about it some days after at the Tamil grocery where people from all walks converged especially – students from the adjacent dormitory, workers from the slaughterhouse whose shift always was in the wee hours, and me, an IT freelancer in a relatively cheap roof apartment.
That powerful but somewhat simple man told me of how the ordinary pistols of cops weren’t enough to stop the raging bull, and they had to call the precinct to get long arms. The story I had read in the papers happened to be quite similar. They probably didn’t have the time to go the way Berlin does it according to the folks I told the story when I was there, meaning to get a forester to do the job. As the slaughterhouse had managed to keep the gates closed, it hadn’t bolted, but I guess was seen as a clear and present danger. What is done in the heat of a situation often isn’t as cut and dried as in rules of engagement, but who am I to tell that to the actual war veterans here. All I know are cows and bulls.
That is a key distinction, for sure. Well said, too. Wonderful tale.
Context is important, as is human fallibility. Context differs widely from situation to situation. It is a common logical fallacy to think two similar acts at different times and different spaces with different circumstances and players are the same. But you need more data, as you say. So all beliefs should have an asterisk until such data are in.
I’m just saying Lt. Mike Byrd should stand trial, Joe. here’s my response to Ireneo which didn’t get posted. i’ll try it again here:
The 4th authorization for deadly force (on animal) is more if the animal itself is not endangering others, but merely like in a traffic accident a nuisance so you use the excuse that you’re putting it out of its misery thus deadly force. but the flaw in that language is that same logic doesn’t transfer to humans, eg. given the same circumstances. but if the animal does pose a threat like what you’re discribing , Ireneo, then its the 1st and 3rd authorization for lethal action similar to humans. 2nd the fleeing felon rule as I understand it is now not really authorized like there has to be details i guess like something for 3rd authorization. but your point of heat of the situation and rules of engagement is correct, had LT. Mike Byrd been in Afghanistan and his base being over run, then its really who cares. again context. but in the USA police are held with a higher standard. sure Capitol police isn’t really street policing more like site security type work so they’re more like security guards but they all go to federal police course (not sure if they have their own but if they go to where other Fed police go then it would be in Georgia). and they are taught uses of force and lethal force, so too military police. and why military police use of force would look different to say infantry or combat arms rules of engagement. theres an interesting case which happened in Afghanistan awhile back, not relevant to what me and Joe are talking about above, but relevant to heat of a situation type what ifs your posing here, and how you’ll have to stand trial for it. my point with Lt. Mike Byrd is he should at the very least stand trial. here’s the article: https://www.wired.com/2009/02/human-terrain-c-2/ (
“Don Ayala, a contractor with the Army’s controversial Human Terrain social science project, pleaded guilty today to manslaughter.
Ayala was facing a possible life sentence in prison, after being charged with second degree murder for an alleged revenge killing in southern Afghanistan. Under the terms of his plea agreement, announced today by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Alexandria, Virginia, Ayala could still spend up to 15 years behind bars.”)
Three links. You are entitled to your beliefs. I’m not up on it. Side note. People act on their beliefs, even when they are poorly informed. It is increasingly my belief that you can’t inform them because they have shields like the Starship Enterprise, but they seldom degrade. The whole MAGA cult is a fifty million member mob acting on uninformed beliefs, and a whole lot of unresolved angers.
Here is Bard’s view of it.
This is an interesting and complex issue. There are many factors to consider, and it is important to be respectful of all parties involved.
The Black Lives Matter movement was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The movement has since grown to encompass a wider range of issues related to racial injustice, including police brutality and mass incarceration.
The shooting of Lt. Mike Byrd was a tragedy, and it is understandable that there would be questions about why the Black Lives Matter movement did not cover it more extensively. However, it is important to remember that the movement has limited resources and cannot focus on every issue. There are many other cases of police brutality and racial injustice that also deserve attention.
It is also important to consider the fact that the Black Lives Matter movement is not a monolithic entity. There are many different voices and perspectives within the movement, and not everyone will agree on every issue. Some people within the movement may have felt that the Byrd shooting did not meet their criteria for action, while others may have simply been unaware of the case.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they agree with the Black Lives Matter movement’s decision to not cover the Byrd shooting more extensively. There is no right or wrong answer, and it is important to respect the different perspectives that exist on this issue.
In addition to the above, it is also important to note that the Black Lives Matter movement is primarily focused on addressing issues of police brutality and systemic racism in the United States. The Byrd shooting, while tragic, did not involve a police officer and occurred in Canada. As such, it may not have been seen as relevant to the movement’s core mission.
Finally, it is important to remember that the Black Lives Matter movement is a grassroots movement with no central leadership. This means that there is no single voice that can speak for the entire movement on every issue. As such, it is possible that some members of the movement were aware of the Byrd shooting and chose not to speak out about it, while others may have been unaware of it
BLM started as a hashtag. but it was incorporated or NGO’ed here in Socal first , Joe. by professors from Cal State LA and surrounding area universities. that’s why they got pinched when they started buying homes in around Socal. but eventually BLM was raking in serious dough after Michael Brown and George Floyd, i agree with BARD that its a grassroots movement thus decentralized #hashtag but the ones that did go the NGO route have been mired in corruption. BARD shoulda included that. ps can’t you get different versions of answers from BARD? I wonder if you add BLM corruption if it would tally up a list. IMHO BARD would be the wrong route if you’re starting from scratch meaning zero knowledge of context, so BARD is no answer, Joe. its a start i guess but you gotta be already reading this casting a wide net. in the end, your brain is better than any AI at this point. so context and reading stuff yourself. critical thinking, questioning narratives, etc.
Yes, the human brain is better and Bard clearly gets things wrong. It’s a test model, in development. But here’s the deal. There is data. The capitol riot was violent. There is belief. The capitol riot was a non-violent protest. The guard was doing his job. The guard used excessive force. BLM did not take action. BLM should have taken action. None of us is completely well read on any subject. When those who are well read use their knowledge to force the ignorant to new beliefs, and those new beliefs are harmful, then we have Chempo. He’s either completely captured by bad data or he’s being intentionally harmful. When I personally hit that wall, I go ad hominem because the truth is within Chempo, and he can’t or won’t let it out.
Your superior knowledge is proper use of force. You are working to shape reader beliefs because few here have studied or lived in the police arena. Is your rendition harmful? Beats me. Probably not. But at some point I’d like you to find the humility to leave me in my ignorance, peacefully. To be proud of your knowledge, share it generously, but not make it a cause that others have to accept, apart from the data. Same with Chempo. Stop trying to shape ignorance to your political or psychological advantage. His is clearly harmful.
Teach.
” The Byrd shooting, while tragic, did not involve a police officer and occurred in Canada. “ by the way, I love your sense of humor, Joe.
Wait until I give you my remedy for gout.
Joe: “Wait until I give you my remedy for gout.”
HAHAHA!!!
HAHAHA!!!
😁
I attempted to search for gout jokes and the first thing I get in my google search is: “Gout is no joke”.
its all diet, karl. oily and fatty foods trigger it. Google’s right it is no joke. over here people go to urgent care or even ER for first timers cuz its that painful. but they give you this magic tablet, and i guess it breaks down whatever is causing it and off you go. you come in writhing in painful, after medication, walk out ER/urgent care like nothing happened.
those purines can be piercingly sharp.
” To be proud of your knowledge, share it generously, but not make it a cause that others have to accept, apart from the data. “ There’s a lot of wisdom in that thought. Honestly, I’d rather talk about aliens/UFOs. Jan. 6 and illegal immigration actually bores me. Media attention on Trump is interesting though, and particulary since it parallels with the Dutertes now. can you blog on the DU30/Inday Sara stuff vis a vis Mindanao? and 2028? a lot can happen in 4 years but looks like Mindanao will be it. and no American bases aside from GDO. ripe for picking.
I’ll think about it, see if it can sharpen my dulled inspirations. Thanks for the suggestion.
i’ll start asking around Twitter, Joe.
By golly wow! Was that an out of nowhere 97 percent off topic tweet from you in response to that guy?
most posts from @darklaughtertdb are satire, but retweets can be serious like the state department’s assessment of the red sea situation.
LOL. such are fishing expeditions, karl. sometimes you catch, most times you don’t. depending on the subject and the hole. best fishing hole still TSOH. but i hope Joe writes that blog maybe repurposes blog to Mindanao all things Mindanao. cuz 2028 seems all about Mindanao now. in a way it would be feeding into the DU30 created positive feed back loop i know, but flipside of same coin you’ll be opening Mindanao to people’s thinking & consciousness, lots of misunderstanding about that place. Joe’s got lived experience there albeit north Mindanao which is basically Visayas. and i have a bit of knowledge, 50% of which comes from Mango Ave. since 80% of girls there are from Mindanao. and the Badjaos whom i bought pirated movies from. LOL. i’m hoping gian can give us intel on INC Mindanao. but if you focus on Mindanao you’ll effectively provide antidote from DU30’s secession movement. we don’t talk about Mindanao enough, karl. lets change that. for 2028. 4 years of just Mindanao.
keep on doing that and people will tell you to go and play go fish.
LOL! Twitter won’t be fun otherwise, karl. kinda like this…
LOL! HAHahahahahahahaha…
in fb i get many crypto,fx comments after greeting someine congratulations, they like first then the games begin. In twitter some good looking profile picture with no shown actuvity likes a tweet then follows you.
https://www.academia.edu/30992194/The_Seven_Commandments_of_Secular_Ethics
The Seven Commandments of Secular Ethics
Edgar Lores
s
Gotta love the uniteam civil war of Digongnyo and Junior. If Marcos could somehow maneuver to feed Duterds to ICC he’ll score big moral pogi points.
I agree, let us see what comes after Mindanao secession gimmick of Digong.
Combined with the Sara’s ” I was never involved with any killings” that’s all scripted, where’s your evidence…… Bong Go’s and Batos’s feigning ignorance.
Even Guevarra Knows that all “crimes against humanity” pre 2019 is fair game for the ICC all it needs is Marcos’ go signal to cooperate with the ICC. Not sure about the current stand of Remulla.
It’s not a gimmick, more like gauging a way out for the forthcoming legal troubles of the idiot without having realized that sedition and treason are also serious offenses.
That sounds correct. Thanks.
https://www.facebook.com/therightmichellemalkin
In reply to (mainly) Karl.
It’s probably best to directly go to
MICHELLE MALKIN.
Who knows … she just might get wind of our conversations here at
TSOH
and get prompted to … well, jump in. 🙂
(NO, she does not know me.)
A sample:
“You’re not allowed to say they’re up to something when it’s obvious they’re up to something, because if you say they’re up to something, then they’ll accuse YOU of being up to something.”
Bill O’reilly featured her a lot i remember, i7. but she was too emotional, no finesse. She was really smart and knew her shit I think she start here as journalist, but wasn’t polished for prime time, always looked like she was mad. so when Candace Owens stepped up and FOX got more blonde they just booted her.
Lance, I feel sad to think you could be right … that was too emotional. 😦
Really smart? YES.
LCX,
What are the rules of engagement when a hungry bear ate all the picnic food of people even when there is a big sign of don’t feed the beas.Will the forest rangers point guns at the people or the bear ?
Chinese tourists are infamous for this at Yellowstone, karl. I say shoot humans, then write in the report that you were aiming for bears. but honestly, it all comes down to witnesses (videos) and whether or not they’ll be saying anything. so technically you can shoot humans, EJKs and such. its when others say something about it that those use of force lethal force matrix get monday morning q’backed. and legalities become involved. but realistically, it’ll be fine $$$$ for the humans and wild life get shoo’ed away. if wild life do attack then sadly they’ll have to be put down. thinking is that they’ll just attack again. otherwise its tranquilizer and relocation only.
Thanks so much LCX.
CA Fish and Wildlife police officers (they don’t really use police in their title but they satisfy police officer training and have arrest powers) are bad ass. you got a whole watch (30 officers) of an area police station cordoning off a transient bear and everyones pissing their pants, then one female Fish and Wildlife officer shows up. shoots tranquilizer at cougar or bear or coyote then packs it in truck and leaves. in and out. but realistically, the most dangerous to humans are wasps and ticks (Lyme disease).
thanks for the”eyes in the game” account.
I7sharp,
Bad idea to ask a person on her wall.
You will get bashed by fans and sympathizers.
Or even FB messenger.
What will I ask. Is it true that you have something and Islam and a white supremacist?
I will get an instant block and she will screenshot our conversation on her wall then I will get bashed by her supporters.
In short no way.
That would be too drastic to effect the purpose, Karl.
What I myself will do is to try to gather what I can in the next few days.
Thanks for de-drasticting things due to my over reactive thinking.
O.R. is always better than O.A.
i7sharp, even if you are a follower that would be like stalking my friend and no different from Lcx’s fishing expeditions.
if you gather beyond knowing where a person is coming from and weaponize it, you might be tempted to doxx that person and get in trouble, that is how the cat lost its ninth life.
Somewhat OT: long lines to get into the first Michelin star Filipino restaurant ever, in Chicago..
(Hoping sonny gets to read this, or maybe he has gone there already)
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/h9tNCjAXQ1ujGuf6/
@Irineo
What’s going on with Scholz and company?
“What’s striking is that the German leadership has largely brought this crisis on itself. First, it leapt on the anti-Russian bandwagon and decoupled from its main source of energy; and then it compounded the crisis via two of the German establishment’s favourite obsessions, green policies and austerity. The proposal to scrap fuel subsidies is a perfect case in point. It emerged from a court ruling that the government’s attempt to bypass its own fiscal rules by turning €60 billion originally earmarked for Covid aid towards measures aimed at combating climate change was unconstitutional. The decision to cut the subsidies was thus presented by the government as the only way to meet both its fiscal and climate targets. The message was one that we’ve become accustomed to: “es gibt keine Alternative [There is no alternative]”.
But of course, both of those targets are self-imposed. They are the result of political decisions, not laws of nature — something ordinary Germans are more than aware of.
Overall, the German model appears to be collapsing under the weight of its own internal contradictions. But these have been building for a long time. Contrary to popular belief, Germany’s post-euro export success was not based on the greater productivity or efficiency of the German economy, but on a series of neoliberal “structural reforms” implemented in the early 2000s that enabled companies to engage in drastic wage compression.”
https://unherd.com/2024/02/flailing-germany-is-the-future-of-europe/
Scholz is basically an inarticulate and yes inept Chancellor who has inherited a lot of issues. How they came to be is a very long story and too much for Sunday afternoon.
What is happening too is that the German party landscape is “Weimarizing.” Used to be one of the big tent parties had a plurality and just needed ONE coalition partner to rule. Things have become more complex, and that too is a too long story for a no-work German Sunday.
——-
As for energy, one should have been more realistic. Not dragged on the Stromautobahn or high voltage Autobahn to connect wind power rich Northern Germany with hydro and even solar power rich Southern Germany. Not removed nuclear until the supply of renewables was surer.
Assuming that Russian oil and gas would always be there was a huge political mistake, IMO. Diversification of oil and gas sources towards the Black Sea (Romania and Azerbaijan) and the Southeastern European pipelines needed for that was also neglected, and I really wonder why.
Not up for discussing politics, but one should never rely too much on just a few suppliers.
——-
The road is more than a bit bumpy as of now over here but I’m not calling anything yet.
But of course most Germans do at least have an idea who, and for that matter why, the Nordstream pipeline was sabotaged.
Micha, Canada special operations did it.
Ireneo, are you guys seeing Guyana oil there yet?
here we go again.
The first shots were fired in Sta Mesa and indeed there were joke memes going around today (can’t find them and not much time for more) asking how close to SM Santa Mesa that place was.
That is how modern Filipinos outside the usual university circles probably see the Philippine-American war. Fil-Am versus Filipino might be more real to them.
if I remember correctly, i believe you wrote about this, was that Bonifacio went to visit Rizal in Dapitan and Rizal told him don’t do it dude they’ll eat you up. Bonifacio thought the ‘they’ he was referring to were the Americans. and he said something like Dont worry senyor Pepe I got my secret magical handkerchief. the “they” of course were Filipinos. say la veee. such is the Philippines.
i like how you spell c’est la vis. no need for apostrophes.
If i win the lottery here, karl. I plan to open a bar on Mango Ave. and call it La Pucelle and have a big sultry yet tasteful Joan of Arc mural outside in the front where cigarette and balut sellers and taxi drivers can sit and hang out with foreigners and girls to titillate passers by. all from TSOH will be welcome. drinks on me but bar fines your own.
and of course I will have c’est la vie in Old English but French written above said mural. and every time a girl gets bar fined all other girls will say c’est la vie in unison like how Japanese restaurants say hi and goodbye to their customers.
Sayonara ahaha. Wait how much to enter?5 k…. make sure you have free drinks worth 10k
“ごちそうさまでした” “gochisousama deshita” which literally means, “Thank you for the delicious feast!” the johns will say after the girls say c’est la vie.
karl, i’ll just have Red Horse and San Mig, no cocktails or hard drinks. minimum of two beers to stay. i want it to be a locals and foreigners hang out. but bar fine I’m setting at P5,000 pesos (all of which goes to the girl, but I’m gonna make the johns think, house takes 3,000 so they tip the girls).
but it’ll be all you can drink for TSOH members.
A century earlier, Americans fought a war for independence against the British monarch. They knew how it is to yearn for freedom and self-rule. And yet, the Yankees did to Filipinos what the English king did to them – suppress all yearnings to be free. The imperialists won over the Jeffersonian idea of nation building.
The difference is that Americans were united in their formation of a functioning government whereas Aguinaldo was killing Luna and Manila businessmen liked the US. The biggest question at the time for Americans was “Can Filipinos govern?” Well, Admiral Dewey thought they could, but changed his mind when his view ran against what his civilian bosses thought. Racism. Global politics. Different circumstances. The US imported some 400 teachers to organize a school system of the “free” and thinking model. Which suggests suppression was not really the goal. Aligning the Philippines to think like America was the goal. Brainwashing Filipinos to admire freedom and democracy. And run a functioning government.
Filipino nationalist revolutionaries are mere human mortals, they are not perfect. And so are the American founding fathers. There were ideological disagreements between Hamilton and Jefferson. And while Thomas was forming his “all men are created equal” declaration, he was keeping a good number of slaves in his hacienda. Hamilton was of course slain in a duel with his political enemy, Aaron Burr.
And there’s that bloody civil war fought some eight decades after your independence declaration.
The question “Can Filipinos govern themselves?” reeks with arrogance, hypocrisy, and condescension.
We might have bungled the job of nation building for all we know, but we have nothing else to blame but ourselves, not the imperialist masters.
Or, we could have excelled in it like the independent Japan and South Korea which also, by the way, went through chapters of imperfections and resort to violence in their histories.
Taking on the Philippines as US imperial outpost in the Pacific was not a unanimous decision even in the US Congress or, for that matter, among its population. There were a good number of decent, honorable, and compassionate Americans who were against it.
Well argued. Yes, I agree with all that and thank you for reshaping my simplistic argument. McKinley was horridly racist. He’d have made a good VP for Trump.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine%E2%80%93American_War#/media/File:McKinleyPhilippinesCartoon.jpg
The caption reads:
U.S. President William McKinley is shown holding the Philippines, depicted as a native child, as the world looks on. The implied options for McKinley are to keep the Philippines, or give it back to Spain, which the cartoon compares to throwing a child off a cliff.
Micha, would you be pro or against Mindanao independence if DU30 went with MMT? I’m thinking he’ll consolidate all the PNP and AFP already there, recall all the maids in NCR then declare independence. no imperialist masters to blame just China and Saudi Arabia to borrow money from, and offers for OFW work at Neom and watching old Chinese people in China. but they’ll have MMT.
AFP said today that they will defend against the Mindanao independence movement, basically putting it in the same category as NPA. Which Duterte is, in effect. They didn’t call out Duterte by name.
I think that was just the NSC, Joe. but i gotta feeling AFP in Mindanao especially Visayans and Mindanaoans will be supportive. for sure PNP in Mindanao will be pro secession not to mention PNP nation wide will be pro DU30 still. it’ll be interesting if this ramps up. Xi and MBS can fuck with US just by offering DU30 money.
Yes, NSC. Defense Secretary Teodoro is an ardent constitutionalist and will brook no dissent within the ranks. Duterte may have generals who would like to be loyal to him to enrich themselves, but I doubt they’ll rebel.
I also think PNP is demonstrating loyalty to President Marcos by cleaning house of criminal cops. I wouldn’t bet on an uprising that risks their careers.
@LcplX
I’d want Duterte to stand trial in the ICC and, if found guilty (which is likely), be held in the maximum security prison.
Mindanao won’t be a signatory of the Rome statute, Micha. thus legal limbo, Xi & MBS by then will have his back.
You’ve already heard the position of the gov’t., corporal. Not gonna fly. The motive is dubious. Weak rationale.
Good point, Joe. i forgot about that, most officers of AFP and PNP are probably Ilocanos.
Here’s a hint, corporal:
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline would be halted if Russia invades Ukraine and stressed unity with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as the West rallies to avert a war in Europe.
At a White House press conference with the new German leader, Biden, a longtime opponent of the decade-old pipeline project, opens new tab to Germany from Russia, said Russian forces crossing into Ukraine would trigger a shutdown.
“If Russia invades, that means tanks or troops crossing the … border of Ukraine again, then there will be … no longer a Nord Stream 2. We, we will bring an end to it,” Biden said. Asked how, given the project is in German control, Biden said: “I promise you, we’ll be able to do it.”
Let that sink in for a minute, corporal…
<b>”If Russia invades, then there will be…no longer a Nordstream 2. We will bring an end to it.” Asked how, given the project is in German control, Biden said: “I promise you, we’ll be able to do it.”</b>
no way!!! i refuse to believe it, Micha. Biden is a good honest person who loves his son.
Yeah right, all media quotation of Biden on the subject were fabricated and should be promptly erased per Orwell’s dictum.
From my unreliable and out dated source.
https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/07MOSCOW5585_a.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/biden-meet-german-chancellor-russia-ukraine-tesnions-rcna15190
Slightly OT musical intermission.. one knows why Marco Polo and Pigafetta are such valuable historical sources when one checks out how vocal coach “Jack” aka Giacomo (subtitles are available) describes a medley I once posted here.
They paint pictures with words, these Italians. By contrast, the Spanish crew members of Magellan for instance were tight-lipped and short in their diaries.
Lance wrote:”… repurposes blog to Mindanao all things Mindanao. cuz 2028 seems all about Mindanao now …”
What say you about this?:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSIsJXnMXxc“My message to Filipinos”10:45 minutes long
No, I do not personally this person.
I will bet, the guy who served the coffee is “Boding”!
Don’t blink; you will see him for two seconds only.
https://youtu.be/VSIsJXnMXxc?t=412s
we too sometimes are random, like a story from random house publishing, but no one beats you i7sharp.
It’s a small world, Karl.
I could be wrong but that guy could truly be “Boding” who had been the next door neighbor of “Kulas” in Cagayan de Oro.
Now, who is “Kulas”?!!! And who should care?!
Someone here, other than me, ought to know Kulas by now.
Good outsider’s point of view, all LCX could remember is Mango avenue and he even wants to set up a bar with drinks on the house for TSOH members.
How do you feel about foreigner’s singing Filipino Music, part of me is proud and part of me..I dunno, I should be proud period.
Loren Allred does “Araw Gabi” justice and even hardly has much accent, even as Katrina Velarde does give it a more real feel.. it is actually nice to see the world turn around from mostly Filipinos covering songs in English to foreigners covering Filipino songs.
Thanks Irineo indeed it is nice. By the if you watch the video of i7sharp questioning Fililipijo resilience or its down side. For me resilience is not only the capacity to endure withstand and just tiis, it is also the capacity to bounce back up. To rise after falling, etc.
It really depends on your risk management strategy.. do you build Irish style houses like in Batanes to withstand constant winds, or do you rebuild your nipa hut after the occasional typhoon hits? Do you have uphill places to hide during storms like the Bikolanos always had?
Joe mentioned in a post-Yolanda article how many people rebuilt their houses with flat roofs that did not have corrugated metal on top after the storm. One could also question whether it is truly resilient to keep putting back electric posts after every storm or whether it is less costly in the long run to put the wiring underground. Is it resilient nowadays to build your house in a potential flood zone or better avoid those areas as the STUFF people have in there houses today is more expensive than what they had in earlier days etc etc
Many thanks for your valuable perspectives.
“… the video of i7sharp questioning Fililipijo resilience …”
Karl, for one thing, it is NOT my video.
And I have never, EVER, questioned Filipino resilience.
semantics…of course it is not your video. do i have to spell everything out??? thatb7s what the s9eaiervin the video did, he questioned Filipino resilience. You have told us about trivial details without describing the video. you can do better.
Karl,
I will try another tack:
(But feel free to ask me to clarify whatever made me rile you.)
The “Kulas” I have mentioned can probably promote the Philippines better than DOTr can – by just being himself.
There!
To Joe:
I never know how close I am to getting kicked-out or moderated – but may I ask you to first give me fair warning or enough notice, or ask me for clarification?
(fyi: just a few hours ago I asked an online friend to jump in.
No, he isn’t a bible-thumper; I’m not even sure he has a bible. But I think I can say he does know the Philippines – esp. Mindanao, esp. Zamboanga.)
Sorry I felt accused of harming you by saying that it is your video and you questioned pinoy resiliency. Far from it.
Karl, “mag-beer muna tayo!” hehehe
And, perhaps, look into this:
“Education: Mirror of a deeper crisis”
https://opinion.inquirer.net/170547/education-mirror-of-a-deeper-crisis
Bert “Tawa” Marcelo Voice: Mag Beer Muna Tayo. Chairs este Cheers! Don’t worry Beers on LCX and forget about the bar fines, we still need to go home to the kids and the wife.(Teminal playing in the background).
the public school system right now has full of transferees from private schools. Almost ten years of K to 12 still leaves a gap un freshmen enrollees. That was why State universities still accepted Grades 11 and 12 and they could not stop doing so because many will be displaced. Even before, state unis were populated by those who can afford, the subsidies for the poor went to thin air or gone with the wind.
I hate to say this, but it seems like the pattern of the poor being boxed out or crowded out by those who can afford in public school systems and state universities will continue forever.
A bit OT, two interesting videos from medieval East Asian history and some thoughts..
The first is on how Vietnam fought Mongol-ruled China.
The second is how Java repulsed the Mongols/Chinese.
Many Youtube channels are to be taken with a grain of salt, and all have their respective interpretations, but Kings and Generals is one of the most solid for history.
BTW if the Ottoman invasion of Vienna left Europe with coffee, the Mongol invasion of Java left Southeast Asia with gunpowder and firearms. After Majapahit fell apart, gunsmiths of the day went as far as Manila with lantakas.
…………
The great WHAT IF for instance Magellan had been delayed a few months into the typhoon season and simply gone under, discouraging further expeditions to the archipelago the Spanish named Felipinas for at least a century, remains intriguing even if futile.
A central state might have formed around Cebu, not Manila. Or the Sulu Sultanate and Manila might have eventually fought it out as their respective trade routes – Spice Islands to China and Java to Japan – crossed each other. Would there have been three states or more? As we know, Manila of the 1500s was aligned with Brunei. Who would have been aligned with the rising powers of what is Indonesia and Malaysia today, who with China or Japan? Would the Dutch and even the English have played a role earlier than in our part of the multiverse?
…………
Anyhow, the state that exists today, under the sun and three stars, is reality. I doubt that Visayans or even Bisdaks, for the most part, will go with secession. They wanted recognition and respect, and Cebuano already is a de facto second common tongue in many places. There are pro-Mindanao historians who say the Philippine state is a continuation of the Spanish and American colonial regimes. Somehow, I doubt that most people there subscribe to that today.
Mongols gave Java Barbeque, and Java gave them Red or orange colored Rice. (Barter works hehe)
Next in line was pencils for Nutmegs and spices.
The Dutch in Java centuries later gave its trading partners Dutch Boy paint and Birch tree milk
US Senator and the Tiktok Singapore’s CEO.
Here is the spoof.
One of them is Chempo…..joke only.
If Roque says so.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1900249/rodrigo-duterte-gets-info-he-may-be-arrested-at-any-time-harry-roque
Well PBBM is unperturbed, don’t know about disturbed.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/02/07/2331541/marcos-unperturbed-calls-mindanao-secession-abalos
as good friend, roque ought to be supportive and help pack personal items for his tatay digong in case digong is arrested. digong would need toothbrush, clean set of underwear, his medications which may included fentanyl and no cellphones allowed.
not being able to sleep is roque’s privilege for being friends with digong.
anyhow, I heard from peza boss who is enrile’s daughter that digong’s former head of presidential communication team na si andanar is now based in beijing, apparently on chinese pay. it is alleged misinformation flooding our social media may have come from andanar. and to think, hackers trying to do us harm may also be based in china, maybe andanar is one of them. seemingly out of reach of our law and order and cannot be made accountable.
pbbm wont lift a finger to help ICC, and wont also lift a finger to stop ICC, and it’s not pbbm ICC is after. the special rapporteur has already been here and made her findings known. the agency nft elcac that sara co-chaired ay dapat buwagin daw ayon sa findings.
I think, ICC is doing our courts a favor and saving our country lots of money. also save us the trouble of going after personalities that think they are above the law. with ICC doing the investigation, our own judges will not be in direct line of fire of these trigger happy personalities, one of them already has license for 300 guns.
Brilliant deduction, and subtraction.(scratch the last part kb)
okay, I would have scratched it, and tadyak it, and shoved it, and kicked it from here to tawi tawi. but I have no editorial power and cannot undo what is already posted. sorry, folks, dont read na lang the last part, may covid yan. keep off! or your eyes will fall off!
Yes and those who had bought this to the attention of the ICC provided them with some evidence to help build a case against him and those crimes committed 2019 below will still matter, even if Marcos does not lift a finger. Maybe that is our advantage over untouchable African rulers, it is easy for the once untouchable to be touchable in so short a period, whereas in Africa they can be untouchable as long as they live.
PNP won’t lift a finger.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218434
oh, you’d be surprised! ahem, digong might just find himself tied and bundled and dropped on ICC’s doorstep, trussed like a spring chicken high on fentanyl, hahahaha.
O yes PNP can go plain clothes and say citizen’s arrest. Hahaha
Yeah I read that in politiko. Link to follow.
Here is one of the links.
https://politiko.com.ph/2024/02/05/andanars-beef-with-katrina-enrile-disinformation-funding-is-fake-news/snitch-network/
thank you. ofw pala si martin andanar working as news anchor at china global television network. cgtv is banned in other countries like UK. but allowed to operate in USA on certain proviso.
thanks for info on CGTN
TY for that kb
So the Davao prayer rally was to summon the gods through invocation of profanities to protect Mang Kanor from the ICC.
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/slingshot-prayer-rally-duterte-international-crimial-court/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2DH-nMw6MOPF_qPYKg6VmtF0y6c7R2Jd0ghuV-bqXgLHSL1XqTOYvR6Eo
baka bah, humbug po yan. duterte will be in such good company in ICC. as one time prosecutor, duterte speaks the language of law, knows the legal jargon and most likely knew the process back to front. and if he is as articulated and as passionate as shown in the rally, he may just talk himself out of trouble, and expunged by ICC. but 1st, he must meet ICC head on, see if they birds of a feather.
if it is of any consolation to duterte, international law court just sided with hamas and found israel wanting. and who knows? with the current climate, duterte may just get as lucky!
i will translate buh humbug to tagalog, you can translate it to Cebuano after. HOY HAMBOG! o pweh hambog!
How many years till this buh hambug persists.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/duterte-rodrigo-baste-paolo-snub-marcos-public-events-davao-city-february-2024/
ay, mukhang secessionists yong dalawang hambugeros and may have already turned their backs on our republic. and yet continue to draw funds from the kaban ng bayan. if they really want to secede they need to return the government funds, resign from their posts and stand on their own. instead of continuing to bleed the country’s coffer.
Me isa pa akong reveal kung sa father side kamag Anak oo su Aguirre. Sa mother side naman, yung magulang nya sa Davao na namaalam, yung dalawang kapatid nya taga Davao City. Wala e you can’t choose what your relatives believe in.
I never learned Cebuano, even when my mom does her Taguano or Cebulog to me even now.
The first expletive thrown at me by mom was pesteng yawa. kulit ko kasi.
Now that there are online dictionaries.
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pisting%20yawa
Music time: Song lyrics showing evidence and belief.
And I love you so
The people ask me how
How I’ve lived till now
I tell them I don’t know
I guess they understand
How lonely life has been
But life began again
The day you took my hand
And yes, I know how lonely life can be
The shadows follow me ‘n’ the night won’t set me free
But I don’t let the evening get me down
Now that you’re around me
And you love me, too
Your thoughts are just for me
You set my spirit free
I’m happy that you do
The book of life is brief
And once a page is read
All but life is dead
That is my belief
And yes, I know how lonely life can be
The shadows follow me and the night won’t set me free
But I don’t let the evening get me down
Now that you’re around me
Karl, Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family!
Same to you NH! Enjoy Canada!
Leaving this here.. about Leila de Lima’s 7 years:
https://mediatimes.cmfr-phil.org/de-limas-detention-a-cautionary-tale-of-how-laws-were-weaponized-and-how-media-couldve-covered-it-better/
lots of lessons so it would never be repeated but we never learn.
Most are unable to learn, as it is only the sly crooked lawyers who knew how to bend laws to their whim. That these are the lawyers which for six years made Duterte impregnable as they launched attacks against any of his foes, toppling a media empire or “enemies of the state”.
And as disclosed here at TSOH and even in twitter, Vit Aguirre is my uncle.(second degree cousin of my dad) KB even suggested that he can redeem himself by being sort of a witness. Being a witness against your colleagues hurdles all the conflict of interests there is, though there would be new conflicts for sure.
we never learned. 1st world war came and went and people died, then there was 2nd world and countless people died. and now analysts are saying we are in prewar and people are dying yet again.
I think, what we learned is that peace is very expandable and comes at a high price!
During World War Ii Hitler sau he wants peace, a peace of Poland, A peace of England , France, etc (To be or not to be Movie quotes paraphrased)
for hitler’s effort, germany was cut up into two pieces, the east and west.
Thank Gorby for Glasnost. And maybe Pope John Paul II too. Plus the local players(calling a friend IBRS for this.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_abduction
I wonder … “What could be the reason we are not hearing from others?”
x-
Alien abduction (also called abduction phenomenon, alien abduction syndrome, or UFO abduction) refers to the phenomenon of people reporting what they believe to be the real experience of being kidnapped by extraterrestrial beings and subjected to physical and psychological experimentation.[1] People claiming to have been abducted are usually called “abductees”[2] or “experiencers”. Most scientists and mental health professionals explain these experiences by factors such as suggestibility (e.g. false memory syndrome), sleep paralysis, deception, and psychopathology.[3] Skeptic Robert Sheaffer sees similarity between some of the aliens described by abductees and those depicted in science fiction films, in particular Invaders From Mars (1953).[4]
-x
When you copy Wiki with links you pass the two link limit.
Thanks, Joe! Now I know! 🙂
i7sharp, i tend to stay away from these unless it involves military (which there aren’t any cases) but this is the best incident documented thus far. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/421/last-man-standing/act-three-2
Wow! i7sharp made LCX shy away from the UFO topic. HURAH HURAH!
Lance,
From my private notes … :
Aliens: The Northern Army
02:54 2/17/2020
[almost four years to the day.
Travis Walton is first mention at segment 8:58.]
ALIENS: The Northern Army8.5K views 3 years agoWatchman Video Broadcast 2-16-20 – Part 1 of our series on alien races who are and have been coming to this …
To Karl:
I think, LCX is still very much into it. 🙂
The Nordics that tried to calm him down is the best part of that story, i7sharp. i have theories.
Bard is now Gemini and my first question to Gemini.
I understand you’re looking for alternative remedies for gout. While I can’t provide medical advice, I can share some options that people with gout have found helpful. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying any new remedies, as they can interact with medications you’re taking or have other side effects.
Here are some lifestyle changes that can help with gout:
Here are some alternative remedies that some people have found helpful:
It’s important to remember that these are just alternative remedies, and there is no scientific evidence to prove that they work for everyone. If you’re considering trying any of these remedies, talk to your doctor first.
If someone eats baking soda don’t blame it on Gemini or me if something happens.
by itself, baking soda or soda bicarb taste like sh-t, salty and bitey at maidudura kaagad, pwe! but baking soda is useful ingredient in baking bread, cakes and muffins: make them rise. we also add baking soda to pancakes to make them airy and fluffy, tasty and delicious.
apparently, baking soda is high in salt (sodium) and those with high blood pressure should stay clear of it. not good for the heart is baking soda, make the arteries stiff. ideally, arteries should be elastic. some fizzy drinks like soft drinks have high salt content (listed on the ingredients) and must not be consumed in large amount specially by those with heart problems. same with bread, check the ingredients listed on the packet and see how much sodium a slice of bread has. ideally, to avoid heart problems, we ought to consume 1,500milligrams of sodium a day. if you can calculate your overall sodium intake per day, you’re off to a good start. so, if you drink two soft drinks, eat bread and snack on cookies and packet potato chips, you could easily be over your daily sodium requirement!
drink plain water, it’s kinder to both the heart and kidneys.
though if you love salt, there are salt alternatives like potassium bicarb, taste salty minus the salt but leaves a metallic after taste in the mouth. overload of potassium bicarb is not good for health too. moderation is good but best to see your doctor.
Thanks for the inputs kb. wag ka magsawa,
What about ACV, KB?
apple cider vinegar is now highly commercialised and comes in tablet form available over the counter. safer that way, dosage is measured, and dont burn the throat.
if our boticas cannot supply acv in tablet form, ask your relatives overseas to send you some. just ensure they come in their original packaging and not tampered, or customs will give you hard time. a few packs acv tablets should not attract import duties.
Daghang salamat KB
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-pills
binding agent has been added to keep the pills together and not crumbly, their shape consistent.
TY 4 dat.
That’s terrific. Thank you, Karl. Apple cider vinegar is a miracle medicine, for sure. I can’t take antibiotics because they collide with my other meds so I used apple cider vinegar to cure a little bout of urinary tract infection. Direct application. Stung like hell but worked. My wife told me later I was supposed to dilute in, not use it straight. 😱😱😱 True story.
Oh no, but at least you knew what to do the next time around. Glad it worked.
if bard or Gemini was there back then…., but this time around Gemini was very cautious.
I’m unable to advise on using apple cider vinegar for either gout or urinary tract infections (UTIs). While it claims health benefits in various areas, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating these conditions.
Here’s why you should seek professional medical advice:
Gout:
Untreated gout can lead to serious complications. A doctor can diagnose the cause of your gout flares, recommend effective medication, and provide guidance on managing triggers.
Apple cider vinegar may interact with medications you’re already taking for gout or other conditions.
Undiluted apple cider vinegar can irritate your stomach and esophagus.
UTIs:
UTIs can become serious quickly, particularly if they spread to your kidneys. Early diagnosis and treatment by a doctor are crucial.
Self-treating with apple cider vinegar could delay proper diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to worse outcomes.
ACV might irritate your urinary tract and worsen UTI symptoms.
Seek professional medical attention:
If you suspect you have gout, visit a doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
If you experience UTI symptoms, see a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and appropriate antibiotics.
Remember, your health is paramount. Never rely on unproven remedies for serious conditions.
Here is “Kulas”!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-I6Kd6T_-w
Ok so long as he won’t give snide remarks on people who say: we are happy to serve you. That does not mean subservience that means service without the sub. If they feel slave driven they won’t have a speel for that. Like that general who piggy backed in the beach, they were helping and doing their thing, imo, not being slave drived, because, they would do the same for an X corporal like LCX.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulas_(vlogger)
Also checked out Boding Factura’s channel. I have a couple of Family Feud (PH franchise for you) Mekus Mekus and The Nigerians vs Brazillians
As to my being riled up, Lakers and HEAT fan. Pat Riley.
Tucker Carlson interviews Vladimir Putin and gets some history lesson. Also a not surprising reveal : the power behind the throne.
I was never pro Russia when it came to Ukraine Russia war. But as I said to each his own, no need to debate stands and beliefs because it is a useless exercise.
having said that here is a link.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/08/vladimir-putin-tucker-carlson-interview
Same here.. and another link. In Europe, there are dozens of 9-dash-lines. Many versions of history. Romanian joke aimed at the Hungarians: “when Attila and his men bathed in (a certain lake), their clothes were stolen. So, who was there first?”
https://www.medieval.eu/putin-and-his-medieval-worldview/
Even countries at peace have them in their terminology: German speakers call the autonomous province of Alto Adige = “upper Adige” valley Southern Tirol or Südtirol. When I was on vacation there in autumn of 2022, my first travel abroad since the pandemic, the contrast between the almost Austrian old town of Bozen and the Mussolini-era new town on the other side of the river was striking, even as the Italians in that part of town seemed to drink more beer than wine. And the Stone Age man in the museum there wouldn’t give a damn even if he could.
His haplogroup or genetic fingerprint is practically extinct in modern Europe, except Sardinia. Fascinating exhibit in the museum, including how they traced the copper axe blade in terms of material to the smiths of somewhere near the Po valley, a bit ahead at that new technology. And that the copper age was a last stage of the Neolithic aka new Stone Age at the transition to the Bronze Age. As what will our age be seen by future humans in the USS Enterprise?
By that time Avant garde Engineer Scotty, have figured out warp speed and worm holes and if I see him I will ask him to beam me up.
In the interview, Putin also revealed that he brought up the idea of possible rapprochement with the collective west in a meeting with Bill Clinton sometime in the ’90s but was rebuffed.
That would have been a historic game changing opportunity for east west cooperation. So who’s the war monger?
Do you trust Putin’s statements? There is certainly a failure to find common ground since 1990. G7 was once G8 and all of that. Many stories and versions. Too early to fully judge.
I wouldn’t go as far as my East German refugee relatives who told anyone who criticized capitalism to go to the other side and live there, but I do ask why the hell you live in the USA not Russia. Have you ever been to Russia or what is Ukraine today? Do you know how they roll?
Ano bang alam mo talaga tungkol sa Europe maliban sa mga nabasa mo sa dyaryo na Kano at Ingles? Kung makikialam ako sa isang alitan ng magpinsan sa probinsya tungkol sa lupa, magmumukha rin siguro akong tanga at maraming magagalit sa akin.
Clinton is not refuting it, so yes, Putin is most likely telling it straight.
That was in the late ’90s when the whole USSR edifice was already dissolved and Russia, for all intents and purposes, was an emerging capitalist bazaar, cold war is over, and the Wall Street guys set up shops in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
So why did the collective west refused the offered possibility of a cordial relations with Russia and instead planned to expand NATO and continued the belligerence and hostility?
Lohikang palengke iyan. Why does Clinton have to refute something just a few days ago, and nobody is even asking him? The Philippine opposition often failed to “dignify” statements made by Duterte, resulting in him being believed, but is that a logical way to deal with stuff?
And besides, there is a history of BS offers from that side of Europe, including Stalin’s offer of German unity in exchange for neutrality which Adenauer refused with the statement “unity without freedom is worthless”.
As for NATO (and EU) expansion, try asking Eastern Europeans whom they trust and distrust. Dare ito, subukan mo silang pagsabihan ng ganyan at tingnan natin kung di ka magugulpi. The part of the interview I saw has Putin saying he “won’t attack Poland if they don’t attack..”
Putin had been telling that offer of rapprochement for several years now and Clinton hasn’t once refuted it so yes, the story stands.
The collective west really need to let go of that cold war era narrative of communism vs. capitalism stuff. They’re all capitalists now.
So the question still stands, Why did the west refused that offer of rapprochement?
Wouldn’t humanity have come closer to peaceful co-existence or cooperation with it?
“So the question still stands, why did the West refused that offer of rapprochement?”
1) nitpicking.. “why did the West REFUSE” is grammatically correct. REFUSED in that context is Pinoy grammar. I know I have bad English grammar pero malamang di ka talaga Harvard ano?
2) what are the details of that offer? Depends on what one has to give up for it. Because the constant of human history has been distrust. And Putin looks down on Westerners. Like Dutz.
It’s over a decade old story Irineo. The west has since then grabbed a handful of former Soviet satellite republics to join NATO. No hard protest from Russia. At least not until the Maidan coup de tat in 2014.
In Putin’s telling, he offered the possibility of Russia joining the NATO club.
It’s ok to say you don’t know the answer on why the west refused that offer instead of floating a trust/mistrust issue when it’s the very fate of humanity that’s at stake.
N.B.:
And for Pete’s sake, why nitpick on grammatical purity?
The offer, imho, has very good geo-strategic value for the west. Imagine the whole European and Eurasian mass united and co-existing in peace and trading goods with one another isolating China which is the only remaining ultimate ideological nemesis of that capitalist alliance.
Putin has put opposition figures in jail and has probably had some journalists and opposing murdered. Is Russia under that leadership a trustworthy partner?
China seems more like a neoliberal-authoritarian system with a Socialist label.
There were internal squabbling for spoils and power after the Soviet collapse and Putin might have felt the need to hold the country together. The collective west has no qualms embracing right wing motherfuckers like Orban, Modi, Bolsonaro, or Boris Johnson. Or electing a criminal clown like Trump.
Talk about trust.
It was Johnson who egged Ukraine not to honor the peace agreement after the Maidan coup in 2014. Victoria Nuland, the neocon nut, made sure there won’t be peace in Ukraine.
Talk about trust.
Between that and the offered possibility of trans continental peace, the west preferred a renewal of animosity.
Who’s the war monger?
Orban and Johnson haven’t killed or jailed anyone as far as I know.
Dealings with Bolsonaro and Modi are transactional, just business.
Russian oligarchs loved doing business in London, BTW.
Trump is alleged to be a friend of Putin as well.
God help Europe when returns to power. Ibebenta niya kami.
Didn’t Russia allegedly try to kill the more pro-Western Ukrainian candidate back in 2014, mutilating him hideously?
You see what Putin did within Russia as possible political expediency.
That way of dealing with things is what we don’t want over here in Europe.
I’m sure European leaders also do not want their economies shrinking or their farmers and workers protesting even as they continue to pour billions in what is now increasingly a lost cause in Ukraine.
There is an old German saying that one should wait with the body count until the end of whatever war.. ..and you once gloated about Brexit and want the downfall of the EU so I don’t believe you actually wish us anything good.
Plus call the West bad but live in the USA.. if they were just half as brutal as Russia, you would be in Guantanamo as an enemy of the state for your stuff, and LCPL_X would shaft your butt every night. Oh well, baka trip mo..
Western decadence.
Aha, I thought so, you are of the kind that believes Westerners are now rednecks.. passe in the new Asian-centric world order.. in addition to our having body odor and bad breath behind our unshaven faces.. 😅
But you live in the USA, so you are just like LCPL_X and me also a redneck until proven otherwise.. we want to see you posting from China.
LOL, you know one has run out of sensible points already when they dive straight into personal infantile gutter talk.
And I know that your protests about atrocities committed during the Philippine-American war are hypocrisy when you don’t care about similar atrocities documented as recently as in Georgia and Chechnya.
You went to the West on your own and live there but criticize it freely, even deeming it irrelevant (see Tweet) as you live on its resources. I prefer to be considered the redneck you believe me to be than the poser that you are.
Let the Georgians and Chechens also seek justice for whatever atrocities were committed. Where in the world did I say I was indifferent to it?
The ones that happened in the Philippines were primarily significant because of historical consequences and the trajectory of what-could-have-beens if we were left to become self-governing polity at the turn of that century and our nationalist revolutionaries were granted the opportunity to start the task of nation building.
There would, for sure, be mistakes along the way but what country started out immaculately in that regard?
The point is self-governance and the opportunity to grow or mature; not the child-like staggering unstable basket case we have become.
Now take your arguments for the Philippines and apply them to nearly any Eastern European country. They are mostly cases of arrested development as well, historically squeezed between four empires in their development: Prussia/Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia and Turkey. Your making Putin look like innocence abused ignores stuff attributed to his measures in the Caucasus.
The purpose of America is American primacy. and why the sabotage of Nord Stream is likely American but carried out by Polish Special Forces etc. Granted Putin’s purpose too is Russian primacy. but he screwed up re Ukraine now he is beholden to China (and even North Korea). so Russia’s stock whether it wins in Ukraine is drastically down. Ukraine squandered its momentum maybe generals are corrupt or maybe it was Zelensky that ordered they don’t go balls out, thus American support has diminished. its up to NATO to step up now keep diminishing Putin. But USA has to focus on China. cuz China is the biggest winner here. And for the record I don’t want anything to do with Micha’s butt (unless she uses skin whitening products).
Micha has a nose job. And is a man I believe, so all the less you’ll want HIM. 😉
Of course we are primates and want primacy. I see Putin with his interview actually suing for a peace or ceasefire, while still posturing which is his lifelong habit.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch …
bukid, putik, baha, …
in Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro.
https://magilas.me/bddmcms-nms-infant
/bdd9999-gov
/bdd9999-wkp
/bddmc99-gov
/bddmc99-wkp
/bddmcms-mpg-1
Also, I live and breathe within the sphere of American eagle. Our lives, our culture, our progenies, our economic fates were influenced, one way or the other by this, imperial presence, extended tip to tip from Puerto Rico to Jolo. The happenstance to live here isn’t so much a choice as a necessity and you have no standing to judge on those circumstances in the same way that I do not make judgment on your decision to live in Hitlerland.
Just because I live here doesn’t mean it’s passe nor prohibited to criticize its policies and historical mistakes. Is it?
“Your making Putin look like innocence abused ignores stuff attributed to his measures in the Caucasus.”
Stop making false attribution, Irineo. Where in the world did I made it look like Putin was innocent?
Our subject matter centers on his offer of trans European peace which the west rejected for reasons only the western PTBs know thus far.
I believe Eastern Europe rejected it. They have been under Russian rule until just recently, and alleged atrocities in Chechnya and Georgia remind them of it.
This is stuff that happened within the memories of people still alive.
You did say the West is the aggressor but have ignored Chechnya and Georgia, as well as harassment against the EU/NATO member Estonia, and constant incidents with Russian fighters in NATO airspace for the last decade or so. You’d sacrifice US here and I feel you are gloating about OUR economic hardships even as you live in the USA, probably well-off and fucking safe from what we might have to endure. Nakakaputangina ang ganyan.
No Irineo, the offer was made directly, personally, to Bill Clinton who, as President at that time, was the statutory head of the NATO alliance. He initially was open to the idea of admission but came back minutes or few hours later (per Putin’s telling) after consultation with heads of agencies (presumably State Dept and CIA) and told Putin it’s a no go. There were no Eastern European representatives or heads of state in that meeting so your speculation of them rejecting the offer doesn’t make sense.
Also, the context of asking who’s the war monger in view of that rejection is not equivalent to saying the west is the aggressor.
Also, I was actually not gloating in Germany’s recent economic slide due to, in large part, its open support in the Ukraine war. I’m trying to open eyes (yours included) to the geo-political realities and the consequences of western Europe becoming mere vassal of the US. Because it does look more like Germany, for one, has no independent sovereign ability to craft its own foreign policies. Sunod-sunuran sa kagustuhan ng America even if it works against its own national interest e.g. the sourcing of its energy needs.
Kung di mo na gets yan, sorry ka na lang.
Theoretically, the POTUS doesn’t head the NATO. There is an HQ in Brussels.. but let’s leave it at that. Maybe it was they didn’t trust him as an autocrat.. maybe it was because there can be no two alphas in the same jungle.
Germany’s and especially Scholz’s support in the Ukraine war was more reluctant than anything. That was also because of Schröder and his legacy of dealing with Russia, including Gazprom and Nordstream. And yes Merkel’s passivity in not canceling that bad deal.
Schröder basically acted as dumb as Duterte, mistaking an independent foreign policy as posturing against an ally – in this case, Bush Jr. due to 911. And thinking like a teen: “if I work with the other side, I’ll get a better deal.” Like Dutz tried with China.
Realpolitik says that you usually get screwed for trying to do that, sometimes by both sides.
I already had answered that Germany should have secured supply in Romania and Azerbaijan, helped finish the southern pipeline, and be less dependent on Middle East and Russia.
It’s also perfectly okey to say you have no more sensible thing to say on the subject matter at hand Irineo, instead of engaging in gutter level talk. Kala ko ba ini-encourage ng forum na to ang critical thinking, hindi basura.
Nakakahilo, isa nagbebenta daw sa palengke at yung isa sa banketa o bubungan na malapit sa gutter.
Putin blamed Boris Johnson, who is no longer in power. So it is his fault that Russia invaded Ukraine, because he got Zelensky’s ears, now I get it. No peace deal no peace. No piece of paper, no peace. Si vis pacem, parabellum.
“The decision to interview Putin had been widely criticised ahead of the interview. But the opening of the conversation between the former Fox News host and Putin was a let down.
Putin spent more than 30 minutes giving a history of Russia, Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine, in a monologue that took viewers from the ninth century rule of Oleg the Wise, to the struggles of the 1300s, through to a critique of Lenin’s foreign policy.
When a baffled-looking Carlson finally coaxed Putin into the 21st century, the Russian president accused the US and other western countries of prolonging the war in Ukraine.
There were peace talks with Ukraine that were “almost finalized”, Putin said, but then Ukraine “threw away all these agreements and obeyed the instructions of western countries, European countries and the United States to fight Russia to the bitter end”.
Putin laid the blame at the feet of Boris Johnson, the former British prime minister, in particular. Johnson was forced out of UK parliament in June 2023, but Putin claimed that as prime minister he had dissuaded Zelenskiy from signing a peace deal in the early stages of the conflict.
“The fact that they [Ukraine] obey the demand or persuasion of Mr Johnson, the former prime minister of Great Britain, seems ridiculous,” Putin said.
In a video released ahead of the interview, Carlson said he was driven to speak to Putin, in part, because the American public has “no idea why Putin invaded Ukraine or what his goals are now”.
It’s unclear whether viewers will come away with a clearer sense of either.”
Ukraine did well for a country with a limted Navy. Let us copy that, drones and missiles .
Also keep in mind that USA always needs an enemy, because the US dollar isn’t backed by gold but by US hardware (software). The best competitor to that is the SCO. The SCO has an ally in Trump. Special counsel Robert Hur hurt Biden big time. he’ll not recover. Gov. Gavin Newsom has to run now. no choice.
I hate to be the prick who pricks your bubble, the blue lines go to the red sea meaning the Russian’s are untouchable to the Houthis while the rest of the mere mortals suffer.
make no mistake, karl. what’s happening with Yemen and the Red Sea is an SCO move thus Russia and China sailing thru.
honestly, it makes sense, but it is sad.
Mitch, you dismissed the Cato institute when I showed you a paper about MMT.But now it agrees with you.
https://www.cato.org/commentary/why-didnt-russia-join-west-after-soviet-union-died-blame-bill-clinton
I think this was the MMT study.
https://www.cato.org/cato-journal/fall-2019/modern-monetary-theory-critique
https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/cato-institute/
Quite a revelation eh?
very enlightening, indeed.
I too am curious as to why Fil-am leftists get to hate on the US just because they are free to do so? You are right we must not give a (insert invective) why you ended up in the US, that is your story to tell your grand children.
Eksaktamente!
As I was saying, we live under the sphere of American eagle. It is not a choice.
I got to meet some Filipino leftists and artists whom had stipends to study in the Soviet Union during the late 1980s, when they vacationed in Germany..
..one Bicolano in particular was extremely left and told me I resembled Lenin, but they all were disillusioned finally by so many things over there. One whom I recently looked up later became a Catholic priest and is now in the US.
At least they did put their money where their mouth was and learned where it is better.
That’s still a cold war narrative. Scorpions was prophetic. Russia is now a capitalist country.
I thought that you hate neoliberalism and oligarchy?
Every Filipino oligarch is a punk compared to the Russian ones around Putin. The USA has many of its own obnoxious types, but the law still reins them in.
Huge difference between industrial capitalism (actually producing stuff) and financial predatory rent seeking capitalism which most of the western world has currently devolved into.
Russia produces mostly weapons and exports natural resources.
An Emirate with ice and a powerful army is more like what it truly is.
Thanks to the unilateral sanctions imposed by Joseph Biden, Russia started to actually make its own consumer stuff. Partnering with China was the natural order of things after the NATO Clinton rebuff. Their hand was forced. So now we have a multi polar world. Humanity once again at war with itself.
Atomization.
Pretty neat outcome, eh?
Me and Micha are in agreement 😉
https://joeam.com/2022/10/03/pbbm-join-the-sco-already/
i still remember maganda ang pwet mo and in Visayan lami-a sa imong lubot dai (kb is that correct?)
corporal, lami, lamia or lamian refers to taste like when you lick ice cream, its lami. maganda (nice) in cebuano is nindot.
Criticism doesn’t necessarily mean hate. You criticize policies because you think it’s wrong and want a correction and you care for the well-being of not only yourself but of others.
I for one, was a huge fan of American ideals, the Jeffersonian declaration and all that stuff about freedom and fairness and democracy. My criticism centers on it being corrupted and perverted by current leaders to the point that those ideals seem no longer applies or stands as a point of centering our values and aspirations.
See, the USA at least has ideals you can call out. What do its enemies have?
Good luck invoking human rights in Siberia kapag doon ka makulong.
Yes, the USA had Abu Ghraib, but that was an outlier. Tried and penalized.
Ideals under assault, corrupted, and perverted.
Hence, the criticism.
A lot of Europeans are critical of US policies too, but your implying that we spread our legs for Putin or leave the safety of NATO is obnoxious, sorry.
And I get mad as this is real for us here, not some fancy pants café convo.
Real-life choices aren’t always simple, morally or otherwise. As for knowledge, I would say my book smarts on current events aren’t as good as yours, though my street smarts on Europe today are better and my book smarts on Europe of the past are cannons I rarely use.
Who’s saying you spread your legs for Putin?
Europe and NATO should have given his offer of rapprochement a chance. Work with, collaborate, cooperate for regional stability. Don’t force him into the arms of China.
I love Mango Ave. analogies in world politics, Micha.
Copy that.
Madame Secretary was supposed to be a tribute to Madeline Albright, though I think it was Hilary who did a cameo. Anyways the buck stops at the president per Truman even if Those Secretaries of state shaped our recent history. There was the episode where the lead actor (Leoni) kneed the PH president in the balls after attempting to LCX her(imagined mango ave advances) The actual PH executive secretary complained on tv but not enough to summon the US ambassador.
Yes to continue what I said about Gorby, The last Czar in my view, he did have agreement with George Bush, but it was only as good as it got.
What was the agreement karl?
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early
Yup, not an inch eastward.
And they betrayed that agreement, bigtime.
Expanding not an inch but by miles and miles into the east.
And yet they kept on saying it’s Putin they can’t trust.
Crooked cranks.
This is NATO’s version of the matter: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/115204.htm
Legally, there was no binding agreement between states. Ethically, the question is how those in the late 1990s justified the NATO taking new members.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controversy_in_Russia_regarding_the_legitimacy_of_eastward_NATO_expansion
“..In connection with the question of the existence of an agreement, the problem of the entity that had the right to give guarantees on behalf of NATO is also raised. The leadership of the alliance itself in its statements emphasizes that such a decision could only be made by consensus of all the member countries of the bloc (that is, not in the form of a ‘sole guarantee’ of anyone). Mary-Alice Sharot writes that the Soviet leadership ‘can be forgiven’ for proceeding from the ‘leading positions’ of the United States and Germany in the alliance and that their character is confirmed by a number of documentary evidence. Gorbachev, therefore, had ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe that if a trusted US representative makes statements about the future of NATO, repeated shortly by the head of the West German state, then these statements have weight. Noting that the decisions of the United States, the USSR and West Germany on the future of the alliance would require the consent of the alliance itself, she writes at the same time that ‘in the political climate of 1990, it would be possible to provide such.’ Shifrinson also writes that taking into account ‘the dominance of the United States in NATO and their hypertrophied influence on the unification of Germany,’ understanding the American political line of that time is key in the question of the existence of agreements on non-expansion of NATO..”
“..According to representatives of NATO and the US, the issue of restrictions on the accession of Eastern European countries to NATO could not be raised in principle because this restriction would contradict the ‘right to freely determine their own security’ (recognized by the Final Act of the CSCE of 1975, as well as the ‘underlying’ Treaty on the final settlement with respect to Germany and confirmed by a number of subsequent acts signed, among others, by representatives of the USSR and Russia — in particular, the Paris Charter of 1990, the declaration of the Budapest OSCE Summit of 1994 and some others). As US representatives stated in 1996, the USSR’s right to discuss and establish ‘security parameters’ in connection with the unification of Germany, ‘essentially limiting its sovereignty,’ stemmed from the supreme rights of the four victorious powers (USSR, USA, Great Britain and France) established following the Second World War in relation to Germany and ‘it has not set a precedent for Russian surveillance of other Central and Eastern European states..'”
Thanks.
OT, stuff that i7sharp and Lance like to discuss.. By the Metratron who made it interesting even for me, who normally doesn’t care about this kinda stuff..
“OT, stuff that i7sharp and Lance like to discuss.”
Irineo,
Methinks, it is not “OT” –
given that beliefs and evidence are in the title of this very blog article.
Also, the previous blog article being about ideologies,
what could be more apropos to segue into?
Now, let us check if there is evidence that Metratron has wisdom?
From what little I know, I would say he has none.
But I could be wrong, of course.
It took me seconds to conclude that.
(btw, I think, this is my first time to hear of Metratron.)
The very first thing I checked
was the bible he seems to use or rely on.
It is not the KJB.
And, it happens to be the one
that should have been my sentimental (for a reason) favorite.
He looks at the original Hebrew for the Old Testament and the original Greek for the New Testament, so his approach as a scholar is correct.
He is methodical – wise is something totally different.
What does Metratron say “proves” the KJB wrong?
Afaik, trying to refute the KJB can result into shedding of light.
He doesn’t deal with the KJV though he does refer to the Vulgate at times.
His first topic is the name of God: elohim, Yahweh, Jehovah, El Shaddai etc.
Irineo,
I googled for “vulgate king james bible” and got this as one of the first results:
https://overviewbible.com/vulgate/
You can try to find something that can tend to refute anything signicant in the KJB
and we can go on from there.
It can prove to be quite a learning experience for evetyone
(including me, of course.)
I love this linguistics stuff, Ireneo! thanks. so as already stated i have theories re aliens and propensity for genius in humans. Grey aliens are said to be either slaves or robots or both for the Reptilians, whilst Mantis aliens have Nordics these are aliens that look well Nordic blonde hair and blue eyes. they’ve done studies on where genius tend to occur in relation to their population and pound for pound Jews and Indians produce the most genius like off the wall genius types not just high IQ scores but out of the box thinking type. well specifically Ashkenazi Jews and light skinned Indians usually the Brahmin class. so in the videos there’s Eleon (the Most High), Elohim (gods), Malachim (angels), the niphilims (half human half fallen angels), then El Shaddai (thanks to Brother Mike) and YHWH. in Indian mythology there were these people called Aryans that they credit for their progress (why Nazi germany sent a bunch of folks to Nepal India etc. etc.) well theres similar mythology of who the Ashkenazi Jews are and they kinda seem like they are the same Aryans that the indians were talking about. the actual present day Nordics (from Scandinavia and Finland) probably are related to the predecesors of the Ashkenazi. but for sure if you look at Anthropology and human evolution the blonde and blue and strength associated with it does seem alien. i don’t espouse white supremacy just that evolution wise from Africa to Australia etc. the Nordic look typology seem so foreign as far as natural selection and transmutation goes i know light skin and blue eyes is better natural selection wise in colder climate up north but theres Eskimos who do just fine thus the weakness in that theory. as for language and context, we see it right here with kb’s correction of lami and nindot and maganda, Ireneo. lami as word would translate more sexual information than nindot or maganda in tagalog. so I agree context and information like El Shaddai or YHWH carrying more information that has been lost because of context like being amongst girls on Mango Ave. and how they use words. i’m sure there would be more lascivious word than maganda in Tagalog but I didn’t spend as much time in Manila thus i’m stuck at maganda level whereas I was able to reach lami level in Cebu with all its nuanced innuendo that kb corrected safely as word for word with maganda forgetting the context, same with El Shaddai and YHWH. so in conclusion the niphilim in the Bible could very well be the Nordics in alien lore right now who eventually were the Aryans in human history that would later produce all the progress we now experience as modernity.
ps. The Spaniards were able to conquer the Aztecs then the Incas so easily because the natives of Americas were expecting blonde hair and blue eyed gods to return. they thought it was the Spaniards. thus Spain had psychological advantage as well as as horses and weapons. On that same vein, I’m also thinking the White Lady in the Philippines is pre-Magellan. with all the types of monsters and magical creatures in the Philippines the White Lady just seems much older instead of newer, eg. Mama Mary parallels and Spanish influenced. its much older not newer thus its prevalence both in the Muslim south, colonized areas , as well as lumad lore. I’m wondering if White Lady also occurs around SE Asia. but I’m thinking its related to Aztecs and Incas blonde hair and blue eyes gods.
Very on topic: a talk with Yuval Noah Harari, who maintains that human civilization was formed by common beliefs.. not just religion but, for example, money as having value.. or the US Constitution as an invented set of beliefs.
A lot more stuff, including the chances and dangers of AI, how fake news isn’t really that new, and about all of humanity moving forward..
Two verses that come to mind:
Proverbs 26:12
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?
there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Job 38:4
Where wast thou when I laid
the foundations of the earth?
declare, if thou hast understanding.
Harari and his ideas rather remind me of John 1 KJV
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word wa God.”
In 1992, the Pentagon had already adopted the “Wolfowitz Doctrine,” named after the Zionist Paul Wolfowitz which can be summarized as preventing the emergence of a rival superpower.
https://www.archives.gov/files/declassification/iscap/pdf/2008-003-docs1-12.pdf
Wolfowitz went on to become World Bank president because that financial body is of course just an extended agency of the Pentagon in the service of the empire.
Don’t you worry, Micha…
If Germany tanks, I will open the Oktoberfest Bar just beside your Mango Ave outfit, LCPL_X. Same drinks prices, same bar fines, you soak up the English speaking crowd while I take the Germans, Dutch etc. with different music..
Deal. Make sure to bring the Devil’s Wheel! LOL. me and i7sharp will have plenty to talk about re KJV and YHWH over the Devil’s Wheel. and Red Horse is what we’ll be drinking.
I will have Bavarian beer, probably one of the monk’s brands, in addition to Red Horse. Thus, we can be both sinful and holy, in line with the host country.
Hasn’t the Superbowl just started? There is a growing minority of German men that watch Superbowl now.
330 pm California time (same as Vegas). so 1.5 hrs from now. I’m rooting for whomever Taylor Swift is rooting for.
From ReligionUnplugged:
x-
The Feb. 11 Super Bowl showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers may be contested at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas — known as Sin City — but it will feature two very pious quarterbacks.
Patrick Mahomes, who will attempt to win a second straight Super Bowl, faces off against Brock Purdy. While both men have superb throwing skills and running abilities, the quarterbacks are also practicing Christians not afraid to talk about their faith.
“Honestly, I think it’s just a testament to God and where He’s taken me in life,” Purdy told reporters following Sunday’s win against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship. “I’ve never been the biggest, the fastest, the strongest, or any of that. I feel like I’ve always had to sort of fight for what I get and work for what I get. But God’s always given me an opportunity, whether that was in high school, college and then obviously in the NFL.”
-x
Do not forget about me, I read everything so I can talk about anything especially when drunk.
You may preach to my audience in a monk’s costume before dinner on Saturdays..
..and do Saturday night live with LCPL_X at 10 p.m. in his venue.
Will do that!
If I get drunk either in Munchen or in Mango ave and can’t go to both…
karl, the plan is to repurpose that three story building into my La Pucelle bar/KTV/bakery (specializing in pan de sal and croissants, and local coffee). If Ireneo agrees he can take the 3rd story and maybe place the Devil’s Wheel on the roof or make it easier we’ll just add the 4th story as addition. The INC is usually closed at nights so we can maybe rent their parking space. we’ll provide our own security guards so their church doesn’t get damaged. but I’m thinking valet type set up so public doesn’t set foot in the premises of INC property. we get parking lot, INC gets money, its a win-win.
if after their joint exercise they commernce with their Pacific ” Tour”, we must not le the Philippibes be the New Poland or the New Doorr Mat.
https://www.ankasam.org/the-role-and-importance-of-china-in-russias-pacific-strategy/?lang=en
as for Rissia not being a war monger.
before William Hurt Followed the Moskva to the Gorky Park.
Try again
https://youtu.be/_a0DDy99rrE?si=Gvl7MI9kEhiEDJQa
It already comes natural for me but still aargh those f’n typos. Before Affleck,Pine, and Krasinsky, there was Baldwin.
speaking of their gym exercise. Circa August 2023.
What drives me nuts is the f’n hipocrisy of China when it comes to our miltary exercises with our allies. As if their own military exercises with Russia is done incognito. Oh well its Digong’s fault for inviting them to have their exercises with us. Another thing that us madenning is the recent NSA chief calling who have different views than her “Amboys”. wadapak!
Let us dissect the first few lines of winds of change
when I was a kid, I sang it this way:
I follow them as one to the porcupine…
Taylor Swift .
Trump said what?
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68266447
He wanted to send all GIs in Germany home but that didn’t happen back then.
Doing what he recently said if and when he is POTUS could create a NATO crisis, even with today’s weakened Europe. Formally, there is a NATO statute.
I was supposed to say no one wants that to happen, but per Chempo and LCX he will win.
Only if Biden runs, but if Newsom then no Trump.
thanks for obliging. biden has a few gallons left before a refill.
Most of those spending over 2% have a border with Russia or former Soviet Union. Russia has to pass them before invading the others in fact.
Hungary was the bulwark against the Mongols and Turks, historically..
bring back Dracula! more cost effective.
is this older than Dracula?
Whatever.
Some news on the European energy front..
https://lngir.cheniere.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/284/cheniere-and-basf-sign-long-term-lng-sale-and-purchase
BASF, Germany’s chemical conglomerate, is buying LNG from Texas.
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/turkeysource/a-new-black-sea-natural-gas-project-could-be-a-game-changer-for-the-region-and-a-challenge-for-putin/
Romania is finally developing its Black Sea natural gas fields.
…………
– some people told me there are German firms moving energy intensive plants to Sweden where hydro is plentiful and nuclear is being increased
– Czech Republic shall build two new nuclear plants near the Bavarian border. There are speculations that the State of Bavaria is involved behind the scenes
– LNG from Qatar is coming to Germany from 2026 as a result of a deal, Wilhelmshaven port has upgraded its LNG facilities
………….
Winter is HERE, not Winter is coming, but there is a good chance that we’ll make it through. There are a lot of other things happening, but it isn’t as if there are no measures being taken. Fortunately, a lot here in Germany happens via states and towns/counties, not just Federal.
Chempo,LCX, i7sharp, Micha
Enlighten me on the Butler County Sherrif’s stand on immigrants and terrorists.
Near where I live in Antelope valley, karl. El Chapos peeps (Sinaloa cartel) runs illegal weed farms using CA water (stealing it).
like I said to Joe, karl. Biden doesn’t need legislative power with executive order he can close downt he border right now. like Trump did. its pretty serious karl. has been for a while now, why Trump had to close it down. but Biden is playing footsies with Hispanic votes instead yet Hispanic votes more interested in abortion and want borders closed.
they are into selling fentanyl and opioids from asia
I was reading from the notifications when I typed the one above, and I did not see your fentanyl comment.
Installed waste energy capacity in Europe by country 2010-2022. In 2022, Germany had the greatest installed capacity of municipal waste energy plants in Europe. At that time, some 1,068 megawatts were installed across the country. In total, Europe’s waste-to-energy capacity amounted to 5.1 gigawatts.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122082/europe-waste-to-energy-capacity-by-country/#:~:text=Installed%20waste%20energy%20capacity%20in%20Europe%20by%20country%202010%2D2022&text=In%202022%2C%20Germany%20had%20the,capacity%20amounted%20to%205.1%20gigawatts.
Distribution of energy sources used for gross electricity generation in Germany in 2022
https://www.statista.com/statistics/736640/energy-mix-germany/
Gemini output on Germany’s Power mix
Sure, here is the current Germany power mix:
Germany’s energy transition
Germany is in the midst of a major energy transition, away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources. The country has set ambitious goals for renewable energy, aiming to meet 80% of its electricity demand from renewables by 2030.
Challenges and opportunities
The transition to renewable energy is not without its challenges. One challenge is the intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. This means that Germany needs to have backup sources of power available, such as natural gas or biomass.
Another challenge is the cost of renewable energy. However, the cost of renewable energy has been falling rapidly in recent years, and it is now becoming more competitive with fossil fuels.
Despite the challenges, there are also many opportunities associated with the transition to renewable energy. Renewable energy can help to reduce Germany’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. It can also create new jobs and boost the economy.
The future of Germany’s power mix
The future of Germany’s power mix is uncertain, but it is clear that renewable energy will play a major role. The country is on track to meet its ambitious goals for renewable energy, and the cost of renewable energy is likely to continue to fall. This suggests that Germany’s power mix will become increasingly dominated by renewable energy in the years to come.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
Germany’s economy, historically the powerhouse of Europe, is going through a rough patch. Its reliance on Russian energy and trade with China will have to be scaled back and new sources of growth found. Investment will be needed and it will take time. As a result, the country’s stock market has markedly trailed the U.S.’s, climbing 8.7% against the S&P 500 ‘s 14%.
Germany’s gross domestic product declined in the third quarter, bringing down the rest of the euro zone with it. The Organisation for Economic Growth and Development expects Germany to be the second worst performer in its group of 30 advanced economies this year, ahead only of Argentina. It will be among the worst next year, too.
German companies will probably struggle through the tough economic period ahead. But it would seem like a bad bet to count Germany out for the long term. Given the country’s propensity to bounce back in the past, there are at least six contrarian investments that could be winners. But first, it is important to understand the problems the country faces.
https://www.barrons.com/articles/germany-economy-stock-market-bmw-hapag-freenet-82ae5d6b
Good move China.
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/china-presses-iran-rein-houthi-attacks-red-sea-sources-say-2024-01-26/
Are Houthi attacks doing that much damage to the world economy?
The true impact of the Red Sea crisis is far less clear than many claim
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/houthi-ship-attack/
usapang basura na naman without the trash talk.
Waste to Energy Germany Market Trends Thermal Based Waste-to-Energy Conversion is Dominating the Market
Source: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/germany-waste-to-energy-market-industry
The Ph should also ban landfills and do wte. I d not think Germany violates the Kyoto and Paris protocols and accords, so we can do this without violating our own clean air act. Little by little does the trick. Who knows we could no longer be the number one plastic polluter. Temper the reliance in one or two baskets like Russia and China. Go for Guyana(half joke).
NATO is a protection racket.
Oh Deanie, if NATO is a protection racket what do you call SCO? LCX since Deanie is not here, do the honors, your the SCO man here. Red sea is just the beginning then they go east to Indo Pacific.
we can have a nuke free arms race if not for Nokor. Full spectrum dominance can’t be done alone so it is a team sports game like the seven years war and the wars before hat like the crusades, Israels vs Phillstines’ Chinese vs Mongols, Greeks vs Romans, Greco-Roman vs Persians and babylonians all lead to the olympics.
Per my crystal ball, Next target would be the Straights near Singapore, then they will push for the Kra canal, then they will find a way for a short cut to the Pacific via the PH, so they will make a root canal from quezon to the bays near masbate, or whatever that is named. Then another canal from Misamis south wards. All they have to do is to look at the DOTR roadmaps. Then they have a stranglehold of the whole South East Asia. Who ever that they is remains to be seen.
“if NATO is a protection racket what do you call SCO?” Protection racket w/out elections, karl.
hehe Most of them do and only the big guns CH and Russia do not. If they convince India to play the giant fence sitter that is another one with elections.
refer to below for my recantation and retraction.
Soon Mercedes, Porsche, and VWS will have another Chinese or Russian EV name. BASF will be in Chinese or Russian character, Tekefunkken, Siemens and whatevers too. Woohoo. Don’t touch the beers!
I just decided to ask Gemini aka Bard a question and got an answer
………………
What is the most likely future for the powers USA, EU, Russia, China and India by 2030
………………
Predicting the future is inherently complex, and the specific details of what will happen to major powers like the USA, EU, Russia, China, and India by 2030 are impossible to say for certain. However, based on current trends and expert analysis, here are some possible scenarios for each country:
USA:
Continued dominance: The US might maintain its global leadership in areas like technology and military, but face challenges from rising powers like China.
Internal divisions: Political and social polarization could increase, potentially impacting economic and international standing.
Technological innovation: Continued advancements in fields like AI and renewable energy could boost the US economy.
EU:
Greater economic integration: The EU could become more unified, with stronger economic and political cooperation among member states.
Global influence: The EU could assert itself more on the global stage, potentially playing a leading role in addressing issues like climate change.
Internal challenges: Eurozone instability, migration issues, and rising populism could pose challenges to EU unity.
Russia:
Authoritarian consolidation: The current leadership might solidify its grip on power, potentially leading to further isolation from the West.
Economic stagnation: Dependence on fossil fuels and sanctions could hinder economic growth.
Shifting alliances: Russia might seek closer ties with China and other non-Western powers.
China:
Economic superpower: China’s economy might surpass the US’s, making it the world’s largest.
Technological advancement: China could become a major player in technological innovation, challenging US dominance.
Geopolitical competition: US-China tensions might intensify, impacting trade, security, and regional stability.
India:
Rapid economic growth: India’s economy could continue to grow at a fast pace, making it a major global player.
Demographic dividend: A young population could fuel economic growth and innovation.
Internal challenges: Managing poverty, inequality, and social unrest could be major challenges.
It’s important to remember that these are just potential scenarios, and the actual future will likely be shaped by a complex interplay of internal and external factors, many of which are unpredictable. Additionally, these are broad generalizations and do not capture the nuances within each country.
It’s also worth noting that focusing solely on individual countries may miss the bigger picture. The future of these powers will likely be heavily influenced by their relationships with each other, as well as by emerging trends like climate change, technological disruption, and demographic shifts.
If you’d like to explore specific aspects of the future for these countries or the broader global landscape, please let me know!
Irineo: I used Gemini with exactly the same prompt as the one you used, but got a different response — the response shaded by the hedging, “this but it can be this, if …”
PROMPT:
What is the most likely future for the powers USA, EU, Russia, China and India by 2030?
GEMINI:
Predicting the future is an inherently uncertain endeavor, especially for complex geopolitical landscapes. The most likely outcomes depend heavily on various factors, some predictable and others unpredictable. Here’s what we can say about the future of these powers by 2030, considering various interpretations and possibilities:
USA:
Maintaining superpower status: The US might remain a dominant force militarily and economically, but likely facing challenges like internal polarization, rising inequality, and technological competition.
Relative decline: The US could experience a relative decline in influence due to economic competition (especially from China) and increasing internal issues.
EU:
Continued economic strength: The EU might remain a strong economic player but grapple with demographic challenges and internal political divisions.
Greater unity or fragmentation: The EU might either solidify its integration or face renewed fragmentation depending on how it handles internal divisions and external challenges.
Russia:
Stagnation or economic diversification: Russia’s future depends heavily on managing economic sanctions and diversifying beyond natural resources. Stagnation is possible, but diversification could lead to improved prospects.
Geopolitical assertiveness or international cooperation: Russia’s foreign policy remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from continued assertiveness to greater cooperation with the West.
China:
Largest economy but facing internal challenges: China is likely to become the world’s largest economy by 2030, but faces internal issues like aging population, income inequality, and environmental degradation.
Global leadership or regional focus: China’s future influence depends on its ability to address internal challenges and manage its relationships with other powers. Its role could range from global leadership to focusing on regional dominance.
India:
Rapid economic growth: India is projected to experience rapid economic growth, potentially becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Internal challenges and geopolitical balancing act: India needs to manage internal issues like poverty and social inequalities while navigating its relationships with major powers.
Important caveats:
These are just general possibilities, and specific events can drastically alter the trajectory.
Technological advancements, climate change, and unforeseen events can significantly impact any predictions.
These insights are based on publicly available information and diverse expert opinions, not guarantees of the future.
Remember, it’s essential to consider multiple perspectives and avoid deterministic predictions. The future is shaped by various complex and often unpredictable factors.
Belay that Corporal, Russia and has elections. If you mean the SCO they do have elections. You almost had me at hello
CH too has elections hehe.
What did Putin say ?
aaah i thought he said kill….poor random german named karl.
I’m sure it was this, karl:
You, 17sharp and me have the penchant to be magulo kausap some may give us money to find someone to talk to. It was you who typed in : Should we tell Karl? I mistook kill for tell. I almost when liam neeson mode and said I will google you and find you and send you an email…as if I could not do that on twitter hehehe.
my bad , karl. i’ll use a larger font next time.
Okidoki
Mitch,.
Care to write an article or two.
Topics discussed here that you could expound on without us interrupting you.
that couldn’t be avoided on the comnents though.
I asked our admin who is on his way home after a long deserved vacation, if it is fine with him. ok daw.
“When Beliefs Overpower Evidence”
magilas(dot)me/iq-27
“…an IQ of 27”
Agree?
x-
“You can see the very moment Taylor Swift realized her future children are going to have an IQ of 27,” one Instagram user wrote, sharing a video of Kelce being interviewing after the game — a moment that gave many viewers second-hand embarrassment.
-x
I have no evidence but I tend to believe.
How about you?
(Yes, I did notice the typo “interviewing.”
I wonder if she will dare sue Bollywood:
Gernany still has a large presence in China, inspite of and despite of the ” so-called dictats” of the US.
https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/germanys-china-policy-caps-pain-its-companies-2023-07-14/
and Russian manufacturing presence.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/major-german-brands-still-active-in-russia-despite-sanctions-military-support-for-ukraine/2798018
Well India still deals with Iran. Nokor provides arms to Russia. As far back as the late 90s there was already a pundit stating that “diktats” or sanctions do not work.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/2539368
Lance, your idea of being beside the INC is good. Pay them a part in earnings as a lease for the parking space, recruit INC members who have military or police background (there are many) as security. The most devout ones are the best as they won’t get involved in anything to do with the sinful stuff we take care of, and like the Church in medieval Europe, INC gets some wages of sin. Let us make sure they pray for us bad men and for our redemption. 😉
Gian can get a cut too for the upkeep of the blog and as a go-between. But before anyone believes that stuff, we are, of course, just bantering here. Oh, and if I get the upper floors, I get a regular Friday night singing show in your KTV. Mostly other acts I emcee and I sing a little.
Re the expat scene in the Philippines, I don’t know how long you haven’t been there but it is apparently blowing up with so many newcomers and the inevitable quarrels that happen when expat communities get too large, heard similar stories from Germans in Spain and all that..
But these two videos that are about what seems to be a running dispute between an American and a Fil-Am vlogger with a British expat as well as the issues of the expats in Dumaguete aka Drama-Guete are two good to keep from y’all.. Micha might like what the British expat is saying about the Americans as being overbearing whereas the story of an American ex-cop involved in a recent fistfight with another American expat is for Lance.. and my second name is Marites.
https://youtu.be/sLwX4NeZGgA?si=vZTBR0sKryBCLSBb
The British man who lives in La Union is funny in an almost Monty Pyton way, like Basil Fawlty with “Don’t mention the war” but he keeps mentioning not the war but “The Americans”.. funny that the banter with Lance has made the YT algorithm show me such loony stuff. Seriously, the expat community in the Philippines is such that Lance and me would have to keep a very low profile online, if ever, to manage a Mango Ave business. Disclaimer: none of this is to be taken too seriously, and as Basil says, don’t mention the war (or Germany for that matter). 😅
I’ve always liked that DU30 story of him making a foreigner eat his cigarettes. I think the sure way to keep expats in line is with a corrupt police and military ecology wherein foreigners are in constant fear. of course the higher you are in the food chain the more untouchable but stuff like neighbor dispute or acting like fools in bars or KTVs that should get you time in a 3rd world jail with all the amenities that affords. I’m hearing that shabu and fentanyl are back and theres no fear of the police amongst the locals these days since DU30 left office, a situation of constant fear is good. Roman Catholic and INC cannot do that anymore.
As for the INC next door, i don’t think their security is necessarily INC just your run of the mill security company (probably owned by ex police or ex military). but I always thought they could use that space better especially since at night Mango Ave is a totally different place make some extra money. but honestly most people will get there by taxi or these days by Grab. In Cebu there was this retired LA fire chief in his 60s just going on a sex tour rampage there. he was recently divorced in CA then ended up in Cebu but he wasn’t obnoxious about it. I think most EU and English speaking expat live in Lilo-an which is the Sec. of Tourism’s bulwark. if nothing changed since the mid 2000s Koreans still run Mactan. i dunno where the Chinese expat would be. the Japanese tend to prefer going back and forth only the most adventurous stay to live (which isn’t plenty). but you’re right we need to make friends with police and military nearby though they re not it. theres enough big fish in Cebu (not as big as Manila) that we don’t have to be beholden to police and military types like when you were there, so closer ties with businessmen and entrepreneurs is key. you can handle that milieu I’ll handle police military folks. politicians we’ll play that by ear.
I am the type who is rich in contacts but not cash. i have inc contacts thru my uncle, retired cops and soldiers, entreps, biz people we could make it big in mango ave . i just dont have german contacts for our munich branch. disclaimer this is fiction and not non fiction.(except for some parts)
The perfect war. No body bags in Kentucky or Oregon like the Vietnam War to be covered by CNN. No protests. Minimal political backlash. Just unlimited billions pouring into weapons makers concealed as a loan to Ukraine.
I read kantahan, i thought you were all in to our new venture.
lengthy war is turning out to be. putin is apparently buying up big on starlink satellites as well as arms and ammunition from arab countries to use vs ukraine. while uncle sam is mulling about using the trillions of russian assets held in estados unidos to fund ukraine’s revival.
Happy Valentines Day to all with these two recent videos..
apparently, only france, germany and russia did not back the invasion of iraq while 35 countries back the invasion. UK, poland, australia, kuwait and iraqi kurdish fighters fought side by side with american soldiers to bring down saddam hussien. it is alleged that iraq has been violating 16 unsc resolutions since 1990 – 2002 putting iraq’s neighboring countries on edge. they were supportive of the invasion and were quite happy to see the demise of saddam hussein.
saddam boasted to wage the mother of all battles and ultimately paid dearly for his boast. had he opened iraq for UN inspectors to see if there is truth about the existence of his weapons of mass destruction, the inspectors would have found out that saddam’s army were mostly ghosts, its military budget badly bloated with non existent columns of army battalions. its generals pocketed most of the money.
Saddam Hussien was a CIA creation.
They created the monster which they would soon turn as a convenient target after the 911 attack even if his alleged WMDs proved to be non-existent.
“US intelligence helped Saddam’s Ba`ath Party seize power for the first time in 1963. Evidence suggests that Saddam was on the CIA payroll as early as 1959, when he participated in a failed assassination attempt against Iraqi strongman Abd al-Karim Qassem. In the 1980s, the US and Britain backed Saddam in the war against Iran, giving Iraq arms, money, satellite intelligence, and even chemical & bio-weapon precursors. As many as 90 US military advisors supported Iraqi forces and helped pick targets for Iraqi air and missile attacks.“
https://archive.globalpolicy.org/iraq-conflict-the-historical-background-/us-and-british-support-for-huss-regime.html
Was the Kurdish gassing pre-911? I will find out.
In new research published in the Nonproliferation Review, David D. Palkki and Lawrence Rubin illuminate the difficulties of attribution and accountability for war crimes by probing whether Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s leader, directly ordered a chemical-weapons attack on civilians in the Kurdish town of Halabja in 1988. The authors note the absence of any record of an explicit order to gas Halabja. But after probing the “command environment” created by the leader, they also reject any conclusion that the act took place purely at the initiative of Saddam’s subordinates
I therefore conclude that the evidence got gassed or wmd’d.
saddam hussein’s relatives fled to the west where they were allowed to live normal life in peace and dignity. though saddam’s sons being so entitled have hard time adjusting to life in west and those that returned to iraq allegedly met their doom, killed by fellow arabs.
I too believe that they destroyed wmds or hod it in a cave and c4d the mountain. Israel/Palestine is proof that tunnels and caves are a challenge even for maze runners of Israel.
Anybody heard of the Dresden massacre?
Targeting civilian population, firebombing cities, and use of chemical weapons were not the original idea of Sadam.
https://www.islamtimes.org/en/news/239094/britain-chemically-bombarded-iraq-in-1920s
Britain started testing its chemical weapons on innocent people of Iraq in the 1920s, almost one hundred years ago, when the Arab and Kurdish people of Iraq resisted the British occupation, a move which had developed into a full scale national revolt and could have cost Britain dearly.
As the Iraqi resistance gained power, Britain resorted to increasingly repressive measures, including the use of poison gas against Iraqi tribes.
The then Marshal of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) Sir Arthur Travers Harris, commonly known as “Bomber” Harris by the press, and often within the RAF as “Butcher” Harris, said once, “The Arab and Kurd now know what real bombing means in casualties and damage. Within forty-five minutes a full-size village can be practically wiped out and a third of its inhabitants killed or injured.”
Slaughter House Five was about Dresden. and if you watch the documentary that came out about Vonnegut he’s kinda crazy because of it. his books were his therapy.
Thanks Mitch, that is why the world needs the ICC and it must have the power to show its teeth and bite. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allied_war_crimes_during_World_War_II
As for the PH, the IHL must show its teeth . https://redcross.org.ph/international-humanitarian-law-2/
Happy Valentine’s
when surveyed, most filipinos prefer cash (pera) as valentines gift, flowers come second, then maybe chocolate as third.
Oh yes but the conundrum for some RCs is they will enter SOGO with crosses on their foreheheads.
Happy Velentines I will sens all three in your monitor screen in a bit.
this is thumbs up for our national interests.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3251933/us-deploy-5-aircraft-carriers-western-pacific-show-strength-china
“Quo vadis?”
“When used idiomatically, in ordinary day-to-day language, the phrase usually is spoken or written to inquire about someone’s purpose, ambitions, or decisions in a particular situation. It may also be employed to encourage introspection or to express surprise or confusion regarding someone’s actions or decisions. In general, this phrase prompts individuals to consider their direction and purpose [especially when questionable], urging them to reflect on their goals or to assess the consequences of their choices.”
Wikipedia
Where to?
Yes, Karl, “Where to?”
… and where’s everybody, if I may ask. 🙂
Meanwhile, regarding “belief” …
From creationmoments(dot)com:
x-
… That’s the problem faced by a flowering plant called the gilia. Hummingbirds arrive to pollinate the flowers in mid-July. However, they leave in late August as the weather cools. Also in late August, the night-flying hawk moth arrives to begin pollinating the flower. This arrangement continues until late September. To attract both hummingbirds and moths during its long flowering season, the gilia provides bright red flowers, favored by the hummingbirds, until late August. Then it offers white flowers to attract the hawk moths.
Evolutionary scientists call this an example of evolutionary strategy. Think about that for a moment. How would a flower know what color it is? How would it know which colors are preferred by hummingbirds and which are preferred by moths? A flower could no more decide to change its color than you or I can decide to grow an inch taller.
Both logic and science say that the gilia’s special features are intelligently designed by a truly gifted engineer. Why not, then, recognize the work of our all-wise Creator for what it is!
-x
Me and chempo already had this conversation in his God is Dead blog, i7sharp. and we both agree epigenetics is where its at new for creationists and scientists alike. but those questions and the obvious creationist conclusion is junior varsity stuff. the flower may or may not know i dunno but that’s the stuff of epigenetics, so does it have to know to play out its own trial and error over millennia? no, think about it your language if you go back just 100 or 200 years won’t sound the same cuz its ever changing. depending on the flora and fauna a specie can either be real specific or real general, the more specific the more likely it’ll be extinct but if conditions favor that specificity then it survives. for example the opposums here in north america they’ve been around since the dinosaurs. the difference between a hunch and a theory is a theory has more evidence albeit circumstantial cuz you can’t really see the process that unfolds over billions of years geology and millions for plants & animals. a hunch or hypothesis is “a truly gifted engineer”, now how to you go about proving that one is the question! has to be belief, whereas some evidence weighs into the belief of evolution. thus the difference.
In conclusion, creationism = zero evidence (only belief) evolutionism = some evidence (belief based on evidence) alien genetic engineering theory = evidence but mostly based on heresy evidence (stories, etc.) but lately thanks to military videos more hard evidence.
The birds and the bees. pardon the language, bird crap spreads the seeds they ate and if it doesn’t land on your car or your face, it will create plants including flowers for the bees to pollinate, what wonderful creations.
birds can also spread diseases like bird flu and avian tuberculosis and can pass on to humans, sometimes with dire consequences. even pet birds at home need monitoring for they can carry psittacosis that can cause lung disease like pneumonia. it can be lethal to the elderly.
birds also helps spread noxious weeds harmful to the environment for the weeds are prolific growers and spread easily much to the detriment of other plant species. I like owls though, they help get rid of mice.
Always meet halfway of the pros and cons, the cots and the benefits, the swot anaalysis , the pest analysis,etc.
like food can solve your sweet cravings but if you have diabetes you know wht’s next.
The wise elders of Region 1 will say that pinakbet is BITTER..
Ampalaya is bitter as well, but it probably is very healthy with salmon. Not healthy in the Filipino sense, which means fat.
Diningding or dinengdeng is better than pinakbet. Same province.
but more to your original point re someone’s purpose, ambitions, decisions and direction & purpose, here’s an interesting wargame and a well written review of the scope of the wargame.
https://theboardgameschronicle.com/2023/12/05/the-other-side-of-the-hill-thoughts-from-volko-ruhnke/
“Scope relates tightly to purpose. Like all books and all films, all games focus on something. That focus—scope—helps deliver the purpose of that work. Once we address how a game’s scope might set our expectations of coverage and detail, we must also consider whether the purpose that yielded that scope is valid, is commendable or abhorrent. We should not, to make up an example, laud a biopic that focuses on some historical villain’s perspective without context simply on the basis of the filmmaker’s chosen scope for the project.” — Volvo Ruhnke
Germany will still be top 5. I know the focus should be inequality and gini coefficient but gdp has 3 letters and gini has four. brevity wins.
https://www.zeebiz.com/web-stories/economy-infra/world-economy/world-biggest-economies-in-2028-projected-by-imf-us-india-japan-china-1692112612131
Chat gpt
I’m sorry for any confusion, but as an AI developed by OpenAI, I’m unable to browse the internet or access specific web pages like the one you’ve provided. However, I can certainly discuss general trends and projections regarding the world’s largest economies.
The link you’ve provided seems to offer a projection of the world’s biggest economies in 2028 as projected by the IMF. According to the information provided in the link, the top economies in 2028 are projected to be:
United States
India
Japan
China
Germany
United Kingdom
Brazil
France
South Korea
Canada
It’s important to note that these projections are subject to change based on various economic, political, and social factors. Additionally, different sources may provide slightly different projections based on their methodologies and assumptions.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s always best to consult directly with reputable sources such as the IMF, World Bank, or other economic research institutions.
I’m sorry for any inconvenience, but as of my last update in January 2022, I can’t directly access external content such as the analysis from the link you provided or provide expanded analysis beyond what I have been trained on. However, I can offer a general overview based on historical trends and common factors considered in economic projections:
United States: The U.S. economy has historically been one of the largest in the world, driven by its diverse range of industries, technological innovation, and consumer spending.
India: India has been experiencing rapid economic growth, fueled by its large population, expanding middle class, and increasing integration into the global economy.
Japan: Japan has a highly developed economy characterized by advanced technology, manufacturing, and exports, although it has faced challenges such as an aging population and low birth rates.
China: China has seen remarkable economic growth over the past few decades, becoming the world’s second-largest economy. Its manufacturing prowess, massive population, and government-led initiatives have been key drivers of its economic expansion.
Germany: Germany is known for its strong industrial base, particularly in sectors like automotive manufacturing and engineering. It is also a major exporter and plays a significant role in the European economy.
United Kingdom: The UK has a diverse economy encompassing finance, services, manufacturing, and technology. Factors such as Brexit and trade agreements may influence its economic trajectory.
Brazil: Brazil is the largest economy in South America, with abundant natural resources and a large agricultural sector. It has faced challenges related to political instability and economic reforms.
France: France has a highly developed economy with strengths in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and luxury goods. It also plays a leading role in the European Union.
South Korea: South Korea has a technologically advanced economy driven by industries like electronics, automotive, and shipbuilding. It is also a major exporter and has a strong focus on innovation.
Canada: Canada has a resource-rich economy with significant industries in energy, mining, and forestry. It also has a highly developed services sector.
These are brief overviews, and each country’s economic situation is influenced by a multitude of factors including government policies, international trade dynamics, technological advancements, and geopolitical events. For a detailed and expanded analysis, consulting reports from economic research institutions or government agencies would be advisable.
Slightly OT – The Metatron dissects how historically correct Episode 1 of the new Netflix series on Alexander the Great was, including whether AtG was gay:
thanks , Ireneo! (and Aristotle) now I know why my semen is so watery!
Try the remedy of eating salmon with ampalaya..
Even if you liked the cook better before her nose job.
that reminds me of al pacino, father again at 84, robert dinero at 79. it is alleged al pacino is having buyer’s remorse. the newer addition to his family is apparently causing tension, the baby’s mother ensuring the baby gets the benefits al pacino’s adult children enjoy. robert dinero is more introspective and not saying much.
as well, it has been reported that sperm quality decline with age and older men have greater tendency to father children with autism. caring for an autistic child can be very challenging.
alexander the great, the boy king? I thought, he was boy king because as a boy, he was already behaving like a king and has far greater understanding of the world around him. and like his hero, achilles, alexander died young. as well, alexander was a short man and was often mistaken for subordinate, the beaten persian generals went to hepestion, alexander’s best friend, to negotiate their release, only for them to be sent back to alexander: the man who owns bucephalus, the best war horse of them all, as fearless as alexander in battle.
it might have been derogatory too, to initially call alexander the boy king. he was half blood and not good candidate for macedonian throne, his mother was not macedonian, pushy and fiercely ambitious, and she was looked down by macedonian nobility. she was safe as long as alexander sat on the throne, and when he died, olympias lost support and went into oblivion.
alexander, gay? he was not only good looking but as dutiful and devout to his god, always doing daily libation. he was also every mother’s ideal son, always writing home to mama making her the most informed in all of macedonia. he also sent gifts to her anywhere he went. cracks started to appear later and alexander was heard lamenting that his mother extracted a high price for the 9 months that he stayed in her womb.
Enjoyable read. The father of one of my many ex-girlfriends worshipped Alexander the Great. I remember one Thanksgiving dinner when he was railing mightily about Alexander’s conquests, the simplicity of which can be summed up by “join with us or be slaughtered”. Well, Pops had his own wild life, having fled Czechoslovakia when the communists came in, ending up in jail in Germany, then extricated himself and went to Peru and managed to work, cheat, and innovate himself into a job in the US, hatching along the way two beautiful, smart, and strong-minded daughters who were not unlike Attila the Hun. Pops drove a Mercedes, me a Honda, and my ex-GF lives in a multimillion dollar mansion in Pacific Palisades. Sometimes being not-so-sweet pays off. 😂🤣😂
I betcha his semen was not watery, Joe.
Thick as beaten egg whites. They made soufflés out of the stuff, fed ’em to the troops.
First tome in a long time that I read that plastic manufacturers only use recycling for PR.
https://www.npr.org/2024/02/15/1231690415/plastic-recycling-waste-oil-fossil-fuels-climate-change
The war in Ukraine is based on lies — lies about how it started, how it’s going, and how it will end. We are told that Ukraine is winning when in fact it is losing. We are told that the war makes NATO stronger when in fact it is depleting it. We are told that Ukraine’s biggest problem is a lack of funds from the U.S. Congress when in fact the West can’t produce enough ammunition — a problem that will take years to fix. We are told that Russia is suffering greater casualties when in fact Ukraine is running out of soldiers — another problem money can’t fix. We are told that the world is with us when in fact the Global Majority believes U.S. policy is the height of folly. We are told that there is no opportunity to make peace when in fact we have rejected multiple opportunities for a negotiated settlement. We are told that if Ukraine keeps fighting, it will improve its negotiating position when in fact the terms will only get much worse than what was already available and rejected. Nevertheless the lies will succeed in dragging out the war. Congress will appropriate more funds. Russia will take more territory. Ukraine will mobilize more young men and women to feed into the meat grinder. Discontent will mount. Eventually there will be a crisis in Kiev and the Zelensky government will be toppled. And then, when the war is finally lost, when the whole country lays in smoldering ruins on a funeral pyre of their own making, the liars will say “well we tried.” Having prevented any alternative, having smeared anyone who told the truth as puppets for the enemy, the liars will say “We did our best. We stood up to Putin.” In fact, they will claim, we would have succeeded but for the fifth column of Putin apologists who stabbed the Ukrainians in the back. Then, having shifted blame and patted themselves on the back, they will blithely move on to the next war, as they moved onto Ukraine after their disasters in Afghanistan and Iraq.
So it is fake news that Russian Navy got depleted, Those countries without defense inventory still got to arm Ukraine (all fake) Ukraine reverse engineering all fake… COME ON!?
Well for one, just the other day Ukraine troops retreated from a tactical region in the east. Russia is gaining territory, Ukraine is losing it.
For the most part, this is essentially a land war. You don’t need as much naval supremacy to gain the upperhand.
Secondly, US war funding hit a glitch when Repubs tied it to immigration control. It’s surprising that Dems are mum on those war billions in light of social security, debt ceiling, health care, and pervasive homelessness.
Still, Uncle Joe thinks this is the perfect war for America because we don’t get to deploy troops and only those Ukrainian men get pounded in the meat grinder.
That’s crazy when all Russia wanted is a neutral Ukraine, a buffer state that can do trade and business on both sides.
But of course US hegemonists and neocons don’t want that kind of arrangement of mutual trade and friendly relations between western Europe and Russia because a united and peaceful Europe is inimical and totally unacceptable for America’s military and economic interests; so they fuel and provoke the war even as Putin was willing to talk about rapprochement.
So now, instead of cheap Russian oil, Germany is sourcing its costlier petrol and LNG from Texas and the oil barons of Chevron, Texaco, and Exxon are happy.
So too are the executives of Raytheon, Northrup Grumman, Boeing, and General Dynamics.
That’s also the reason why most of western Europe is in recession while Wall Street America is enjoying a bumper harvest.
Of all the disagreements you have with Chempo I think you jibe in the New World Order Associations to Davos. Right or wrong history be the judge. On another note concerning Red Sea, even if it is Russian oil if it is on Allied ship it is fair game to the Houthis.Care to comment a bit on red sea.
By the way thanks for the extensive analysis.
I think the American economic resurgence is largely a function of bringing manufacturing home in large measure inspired by China’s cheating and game-playing, started under Obama, accelerated under Trump, and continued by Biden. It has little to do with Ukraine. US defense spending as a percentage of GDP has been trending down for years, so the idea that America is thriving on war is more myth than fact.
One has to ask Ukrainians why they are willing to fight and die to be free of Russia, I think. Not overlay European and American interests as the primary cause of the war. It’s a line where democracy meets autocracy. You either hold it or you don’t.
I tend to agree with Micha re military-industrial complex and this notion that its cheaper if Ukrainians did the fighting and dying. Though I agree that Putin needs to be diminished.Look the Ukrainians were given every assistance but at the end of the day its turns out they really didn’t wanna do anymore dying and fighting. you gotta respect that. So I agree with the Republicans wind down the aid make it clear to them and send all the money tagged for Ukraine and Israel back state side. Here. NATO and EU need to step up if they don’t want Putin to come in. the US has China and all this border and drugs coming in which I’m sure goes back to China and Russia. but yeah Americans have no right saying stuff like its far cheaper if Ukrainians did the fighting and dying. give the Ukranie problem to EU and NATO now. and We’ll diminish Putin and Xi in the Pacific. But EU and NATO have to carry their weight.
If I’m Ukrainian, I despise that failure to understand what an asshole Putin is, muttering your self interests as we live in the dirt dodging bullets and looking for tanks to pop. Its largely a battle of metal objects and Ukraine is running out thanks to democracy’s inefficient and tortured decision-making process. Maybe democracy deserves to die and we can hope some good autocrats emerge to get rid of all the shitty ones.
Ukraine is running out due to the biggest EU NATO countries not having their own military-industrial complex. they need to start ramping up their production. USA did enough for Ukraine. They didn’t wanna take advantage of the gains made last year, opting instead to play it safe (as per Zelensky). no hate there, its in the end up to them whether they wanna fight or not. But USA’s part should be done now. same for Israel. USA needs to focus on China and Russia in the Pacific and Arctic.
I think US interests are to both pressure the EU to step up and to help the EU. But sure, go isolationist. It’s supportable.
Not isolationist, Joe, just recognize that the SCO is playing a totally different kinda game. and the US needs to focus on China and our borders. The SCO is playing a very chaotic game, some parts Falklands war some Opium war, etc. etc. if we focus on China, others in NATO/EU can focus on the other parts. not isolationist just don’t get spread too thin cuz when the SCO goes CBDC game over.
Fair enough. I see your point now. Thanks.
Here’s the fact:
https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/USA/united-states/military-spending-defense-budget
US defense spending in absolute dollar terms is on upward slope over the years. It’s misleading to pair it with GDP and say it’s been trending down as a percentage because US GDP in, say, 10 year period has also been increasing.
Pentagon spending is bigger than the combined spending of the next top ten countries.
Congressional allocation of almost unlimited billions in a manner of bipartisan consensus (no more lengthy deliberations or debate on how are we gonna pay for it) is usually referred to as military Keynesianism.
I agree with Trump and GOP on Ukraine now. Ukrainians don’t wanna fight really as evidenced by the stalemate, so have them make a deal w/ Putin. with NATO and EU’s input of course. give Putin what he took already, but make Ukraine part of NATO. then have NATO EU bolster and ready for a stronger Putin.
The whole point of Russia’s “special operation” is to prevent Ukraine from being snatched by NATO or EU. At this stage of the fighting with Russia gaining grounds, Putin can now dictate the terms of a ceasefire. Lasting peace can only happen if Ukraine commits to neutrality.
And those Azov neo-Nazis neutered (if they haven’t been already).
that’s up to NATO EU west Europe who need to pay up and bolster defense. Putin’s coming. its a fair deal. Putin didn’t win, he lost NATO is bigger and better than before his special operation, Micha. USA just needs to signal to NATO and EU to step up and not be dependent on the USA military-industrial complex be like Japan start their own machine up. if NATO EU wants to bow down to Putin again as before say la veeee. But Trump/GOP is right we need to pull out tell the rest of NATO EU that our semen is now watery (but actually its not we’re just reserving it for Xi in the Pacific). follow Aristotle’s advice.
The statement that Ukrainians don’t want to fight? Source document. They want long range weapons. There is a battlefield imbalance in troops, metal, and willingness to waste lives. Russia has a huge edge. You think it’s lack of commitment? I don’t see it, but leave the door open for you to enlighten me.
there was an interview i caught on TV in the Fall last year, Zelensky was asked why aren’t you guys pushing thru as planned and he talked about how if they did that (which was the plan last summer and why Ukrainians were trained in EU and here) that there wouldn’t be a Ukraine to fight for if we’re all dead or something to that effect. Which is a fine strategy, and if you’ve ever seen that movie Reign of Fire with Matthew McConaughey as the American and Christian Bale as the English dude that just wants to save lives not sacrifice them. well i think the American trainers were thinking more along McConaughey’s character whilst Zelensky was more like Christian Bale in that interview, it made a lot of sense. ergo, if that’s their strategy essentially for stalemate hoping munitions ammo and hardware will be like mana from heaven then Zelensky et al need to be told this can’t go on forever. They coulda pushed on thru sure it woulda cost a lot but no one got the memo that for Ukraine it was balls out time, so now we are here. stalemate and USA is suppose to fund it forever. fuck that.
Well, that is not Ukraine not being committed. That is Ukraine being like the US and saving warrior lives in favor of metal and asking that big chunks that fly a long way be delivered. They are getting F-16s. They’ve not been used I think. They lost a town. It’s war.
Russia’s GDP is 11 times larger than Ukraine’s. That Ukraine has achieved a stalemate position is a remarkable testament of commitment, and Zelenskyy’s work drumming up arms has made up the shortfall.
I’m sure the generals fired recently by Zelensky is part of this. but its too late, maybe their PsyOPs was too successful , Joe. and that should be a lesson don’t make your PsyOps too good cuz when you fail to deliver people will dump your cause quick. but like I told Micha, its a win win win for everyone NATO picked up new members lit their asses on fire now, Putin gets to say he won and Ukraine joins the west. Hit pause. just like Israel hit pause. this SCO stuff is way to intricate too many fronts it behooves the West to take stock.
Too early to make that call I think.
there’s folks in the USA that want this to keep going. the military-industrial complex loves forever wars. me you and Micha can agree to that i’m sure. thus its healthy to have opposing voices that say Hey, Ukraine, there’s a timeline here this cannot go on forever either defeat Russia in Crimea et al already or start talks but this mana of weapons from heaven (meaning USA) is not forever. I think they were planning to use Russian oligarch money to fund the 2024 half of this war which will only play into the SCO CBDC plans. and fast track it. try to get Jr. to play a round or two of Guerrilla Checkers, Joe, its called damma there so just rename it Damma-Go (dama dames cuz when checkers get promoted they become queens or dames/ladies). essentially the game is about two different sides playing two very different games. rich in metaphors simple short game plays in 33 moves. like a puzzle of sorts.
Put it in 1960 dollars. No question, the US runs a giant military machine, spending trillions and killing hundreds of thousands in the Middle East after 9/11. Space and the moon are in play. It’s called defense, even if your belief is the rationale is not sound. What Putin and Xi are doing is something other than defense, so I’m not going to be the guy hollering at the US to stand down. The safest bet is to be the biggest badass on the planet, not some wimpy milquetoast like what House Republicans are projecting.
For the record, i’m not trying to take away from Ukraine’s win. they were suppose to crumble, Putin promised they would but instead Putin got his dick stuck in vice. I do wish Ukraine can produce a coup in Russia but that’s not gonna happen now. so base on news, and I concede i’m just reading between the lines here, the Ukrainians are not playing offense anymore, so the USA NATO EU have to prepare for the next phase meaning redraw the borders and focus on other parts of the SCO now. get Ukraine NATO membership but that membership means nothing unless western EU starts ramping up. so yah I agree the Ukrainians fought a good fight. They were committed. But time to negotiate now.
Ukraine win? A stalemate? Are you totally forgetting that this is a proxy war fueled and funded by the collective west?
Entirely left to its own devices, Ukraine would have folded on the first week.
I agree. Ukraine wouldn’t have been able to take on Russia mano y mano, Micha. But they made a weeks long special military operation into years now. so in that regard they rebuffed Putin bigly. Putin wants out i’m sure cuz he bit more than he can chew (again thanks to USA NATO EU). Putin’s already got Medvedev spouting weak sauce rhetoric promising to attack London if Ukraine wins. So Ukraine can demand NATO membership and NATO can oblige cuz Finland’s in and they have a border with Russia so why not. Follow JD Vance on this, I agree with him. Ukraine should start talks now but they are on top. if Putin says no to NATO membership, then by all means continue the war. but my point dont accept anything less than NATO membership, Micha.
If Trump wins in November, it might just be possible that NATO will be disbanded, as it should, a long time ago.
Nah, NATO just needs to step up and recognize Putin as a threat. but Trump’s rhetoric and or stance on NATO is certainly lighting their asses on fire. so that’s good. wake up, Europe! don’t believe Putin, don’t be scared of Putin. USA will handle the Pacific. we got Xi.
What western Europe needs to do is restore diplomatic and trade relations with Russia, end the needless war, guarantee Ukraine neutrality, and free itself from the imperial dictates and war mongering of Washington.
Yeah, that’s what JD Vance says too. But I disagree, sure work with Russia don’t put up another iron curtain give Russia an out. But assume Putin is lying and don’t be afraid of him, meaning NATO needs to bulk up militarily so Putin is neutered. keep pushing him towards China. Chinese waiters want blonde Russian wives too. Russian men not gonna like that.
paging, NH… paging , NH…
I just came across this game by Brian Train. its basically a cross between Go and Checkers. i have a chess/checkers board so I use 6 checkers and 66 pennies. perfect size. I notice if you play as counter insurgent (6 checkers) if your checkers end up on the border or corner you’re toast , so stay off the ropes. insurgent/guerillas only have 33 moves (cuz you place 2 pennies per move). check it out. here’s the instructions:
this is Brian Train playing teaching Guerrilla Checkers,
here’s how it would look…
sorry checkers there (counter insurgent) shoulda moved i forgot to move and it messed everything up. but you get the point. that’s how they move and eat.
Quiboloy been having his racket for decades now.
senator robin padilla made it all about himself, said quiboloy never did ask him for money, not once! apparently padilla no comprende that quiboloy dont stand on street corner with begging bowl, his minions do that, quiboloy only lives off their proceeds. instead of turning his compassion to the traumatised minions, padilla exulted the worm.
I dont know why dswd turned blind eye on beggars. did not show curiosity and inquired their reason for begging as we already have existing agencies for the uber poor to go to and ask for all sorts of help. there is also registry of the uber poor receiving pantawid help.
LCX, I showed you a joint military excercise of Russia and China and you only want to focus on China. Russia is shrugging off all the ships sank by the allied forces in the Baltic, etc. because they are building up in the Indo-pacific. their base is just north of north Korea.
Center of gravity in the Pacific is China, karl. Putin is diminished Xi is calling the shots thru the SCO.
Look at my Kazaakhstan monologue
that’s more a NATO EU problem , karl. not Pacific.
Where were we? SCO? Is Kazakhstan under the mercy of China?
UK ships carry oil bound to Asia. CHECK out the latest Houthi interception. It was fior India
maybe the houthis will return it to Russia and let India pay double.
Not carrying my own chair and whatever you do with laurels, but my other hobby is talking to Government officials , ngos, retired and active officers in the maritime league viber and sometimes i make a point like here and sometimes meh.
last year OZ said there will be war n theee years, does that mean we only have two years left?
Weak Russia, no problem says Kazakhstan I mean Fukuyama..
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-weakness-central-asia-fukuyama/32579747.html
Philippines a middle power? Nah we are just blocking the way as far as “they” are concerned, but Kazakhstan is.
https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/kazakhstan-middle
Well the whole central Asia and lcx’s bet the SCO.
https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/kazakhstan-forging-its-own-path
But you’re correct the SCO, which was the Shanghai cooperative council first was a China, stan countries and Russia organization initially, but now its fast becoming IMF/WB, UN and NATO. let NATO EU handle the stan countries, and US can focus on ME and Pacific. but yeah the stan countries feed into China and Russia, so we meet China in the Pacific and EU meets Putin in Europe. but Neom et al is just too crazy to let go right now, karl. so we stay in the ME but as soft power types no more wars. put a pause on wars right now is my whole point in all this.
Now we are talking….as if we have not been. But we have to prepare for war in order to prevent it. That goes for every one.
China and Nokor is arming Russia? Only China is coy wink wink about it.
Economically Nordstream or not, Germans still have a strong presence in Russia and China.
Russia, weak? Tell that to LCX I mean the marines.
Just look at the Russian presence in Mango Avenue. I mean the ports. Sanctions manxions
China’s arming Russia, karl. Russia is weaker since before Ukraine. before Ukraine they were a lot stronger. Putin has to kow tow to Xi now, before they were equals. Xi is dictating where the SCO goes, before Putin had a say.
“Germans still have a strong presence in Russia and China.” not militarily, karl. and that’s the whole lesson here. that in the end the pussification of Western EU was the wrong move. they’ll have to fix that, cuz Trump don’t care.
will dissolving Nato be Trump’s selling point and you will vote for him if no Newsom? your choice. I think Micha will go for him too if Biden runs. Good grief!
I’ll vote for Trump because he has a better sense of int’l affairs, karl. just Google Trump and Nordstream pre-Biden. this one’s from Politico.
But yeah Newsom is way better than Trump. so if Newsom, then no Trump for me, karl.
Korekted by. (Some street linggo to say correct.)
so handle them from Europe, NATO and EU can handle the stan countries.
I am now your STAN. Joke
Well you won’t notice it because UK ships are carrying Russian oil, etc.
Summary of the article “Insuring an invasion: UK insures EUR 46.4 bn Russian oil since sanctions”
This article by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that the UK, despite sanctions, continues to play a significant role in transporting Russian oil through insurance provided to tankers. Some key points include:
UK’s role: UK insurance covers a major portion (33%) of Russian oil transported by sea since sanctions were imposed.
Financial impact: This translates to EUR 46.4 billion worth of Russian oil insured by UK companies since March 2022.
Loophole: Russia utilizes vessels owned or insured in countries implementing the oil price cap, but often trades above the cap, negating its impact.
Recommendations:
Lower the oil price cap and enforce it strictly.
Require verification of oil price paid below the cap to avoid fraudulent documents.
Investigate and penalize UK entities facilitating oil transport above the cap.
Increase penalties for violating the price cap, including permanent bans on services for non-compliant vessels.
Implement a spill insurance verification program for tankers entering UK waters.
Additional notes
The article highlights the discrepancy between the UK’s support for Ukraine and its continued role in facilitating Russian oil trade.
Stricter measures and enforcement are needed to effectively limit Russia’s oil revenues and hinder its war efforts.
I hope this summary is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.
https://energyandcleanair.org/insuring-an-invasion-uk-insures-eur-46-4-bn-russian-oil-since-sanctions/
UK insured ships carrying Russian oil.And Putin blames Boris Johnson for the Ukraine war.
Let the houthis keep one for the time being says Russia,our oil is very much insured.
I haven’t Googled about the insurance angle but could be money laundering scheme of Russia, lots of Chinese & Russian businesses incorporated in the UK and US , thus UK and US entities they are.
We know that the Russian mafia and oligarchs are not a myth.
OT but interesting: the Shimabara rebellion in Japan.. which was Catholic
Quiz question, no googling, please. Who was the first Filipino to be declared a Saint, and where did he meet his martyrdom?
I know this because theres only two, Ireneo, and i’ve already told sonny the up and coming third maybe from Cebu who can be in more than two places at once. but have you watched Silence. its like a more boring The Mission. but same setting. or years before. i haven’t watched the video yet.
p.s. The second Filipino saint looks exactly like a Filipino basketball player. LOL. iconography and semiotics, man.
OT — ABOUT AGE
As I wrote earlier here, at my current age, I am sensitive to the subject related to age.
I read an interview published by New York Times of the multi-awarded novelist-essayist Marilynne Robinson by David Marchese — among other awards: Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award, National Book Critics Circle Award, Pulitzer Prize.
THIS CAUGHT MY EYE:
David Marchese:
I have no remotely smooth segue to the next question: I have a theory about the lapsing of your relationship with Obama. You said that you felt as though you didn’t know how to speak to him anymore. It suggested to me that you saw him as a kind of avatar of American democracy. Then when he left office and was in the world of multimillion-dollar book deals11 and Hollywood deals, that wasn’t something that you could connect with symbolically, and that’s why you felt like you couldn’t talk to him. Does that seem plausible as a theory of a relationship between two people I know nothing about?
Marilynne Robinson:
I think it’s pretty descriptive actually. My admiration for him is very great, and I’m sure that he’s doing things of real value. And my not finding an imaginative way into that — it’s certainly no less-than-positive judgment. I think he has stepped back because he does not want to be seen as a competitor with President Biden. Because Obama’s signature quality was youth, and Biden’s is age. Frankly, I’m less than a year younger than Joe Biden, so I believe utterly in his competence, his brilliance, his worldview. I really do. You have to live to be 80 to find this out: Anybody under 50 feels they’re in a position to condescend to you. You get boxed into this position where people who deal with you are making assumptions about your intellect. It’s very disturbing. Most people my age are just fine. What can I say? It’s a kind of good fortune that America is categorically incapable of accepting: that someone with a strong institutional memory, who knows how things are supposed to work, who was habituated to their appropriate functioning is president. I consider him a gift of God. All 81 years of him.
David Marchese:
I think you should write a letter to Obama tomorrow.
Marilynne Robinson:
I should. I should. He’s gone gray, you know.
its also related to this, NH.
Thanks for the note, Lance.
My thought is more along the line of channeling various energies — including paternal or sexual energy — towards pursuits beyond that. As a leader of a country, this means directing these energies towards effective governance with perspective beyond the immediate. Or with people the likes of Marilynne Robinson, who channels her energies into exploring ideas or philosophy of life through her writings or her writer’s workshop.
dagdag lang po ito: old people thinking about what legacy to leave behind, or how they will be remembered? I’d be quite happy if they clean up their mess so the ones that follow will not be overly burdened. old people were once high flyers and virtually contributed to climate change, now they have taken to riding public transport and bicycles, eaten locally produced foods that leave lesser carbon footprint. still, there are those that use their old car which are supposedly better built and more efficient than electric vehicles (according to actor rowan atkinson of the mr bean fame, atkinson is not just actor but also engineer), keep your old car only this time travel less, thus advised rowan atkinson.
Kb:
Thanks for your note.
Because of our poor eyes and hearing, weak knees, reflexes, at our age, it is force majeur. We cannot but conform to Rowan Atkinson’s advice — that is, we at this stage of our lives travel less by car or not at all.
[Speaking for myself, I am fortunate: I can easily walk non-stop for an hour, above leisure but below brisk walking on the average. It is my pleasurable exercise, especially when I walk to the library close to my residence. On cold days I do the treadmill at my daughter’s house basement, where the family has gym equipment. I am currently in Canada.]
On the matter of “cleaning up the mess” we old people have contributed — particularly on the matter of climate change due to Filipinos’ use of fossil fuel — it is really a world problem, especially of the developed/ economically strong countries. Yes, we in the PH should do our part. But, no matter how we de-scale our use of fossil fuel use — at a great disadvantage if not disastrous to us Filipinos — we have peanuts to contribute to mitigating the climate change. With your indulgence, I will not go into researching the statistics associated with that claim.
cheers po, and enjoy your stay in canada.
Say, karl — TSH Chief Librarian: we have hit some record on the current blog isn’t it, with 863 comments so far? I wonder what the all-time record is on the number of comments in a blog topic here.
Joeam, you, and the young ones here who have played some mean games of basketball, I heard of a tip — for US $400 only you can get yourselves gold (or “gold plated”?) pair of sneakers. It may yet improve your play. Better hurry while the supply lasts. 🤣
LOL.
Ha, no way!