Squatch’s Open Thread 28/05/2016

Posted by Lynn Squance at 9:49 pm Open Thread, Politics

May 282016

It has been cool and wet here the past few days, but next week promises to be warmer, maybe too warm by my standards. I've had fur babies around all day, one even trying to write articles for the blog. Needless to say, they did not make a lot of sense so I deleted them. Mind, they did make more sense than what any Republican, but especially Trump, could ever write.

Short Takes

Alternet — About a year after the launch of both Sen. Bernie Sanders’ and Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns, it’s easy to conclude that the anti-establishment backlash of 2016 was somewhat inevitable. The incredulity that many in the establishment felt when these two candidates first climbed the polls and took their respective primaries by storm has passed, and now that Trump has locked up the Republican nomination, nothing seems beyond the realm of possibility (including, terrifyingly enough, a Donald Trump presidency).

While Donald is working to secure endorsements from the few remaining GOP holdouts, Sanders is still picking up primary wins against Hillary Clinton. The senator has won in 18 states and is banking on a big victory in California, even though Clinton’s delegate lead is near insurmountable. Barring an FBI indictment of Clinton, Sanders is unlikely to be the Democratic nomination—but he has accomplished more than just about anyone could have predicted (except perhaps H.A. Goodman), and the grass-roots movement that has formed around him represents the future of the Democratic Party.

The author has postulated that the neoliberal policies in vogue since Reagan no longer work. The choice during this election year rests between a right wing egomaniac, Trump, and a social democrat, Sanders. The FDR era represented a formidable advance in social democracy that lifted the US out of economic problems. Unfortunately, Americans have forgotten the advances that brought prosperity. What Trump offers is more for the elite and nothing for the middle or working class. We have to keep bringing this to the fore so that everyone understands that Trump offers nothing but fear and hate . . . no positive gains for the average American.

Politico — "[Wasserman Schultz] has a seemingly boundless ability to create conflict for herself wherever she possibly can,” said a Florida Democrat, who, like all respondents, completed the survey anonymously. “In this campaign she has inexplicably managed to infuriate Bernie Sanders and his supporters, while simultaneously doing a disservice to Clinton in her handling of the debate schedule.”

“From the scheduling of debates to cutting off Sanders' vote builder access, [Wasserman Schultz] has seized every opportunity to make the process seem rigged for Clinton in a ham-handed manner,” added an Iowa Democrat. “She is the worst caricature imaginable of an out-of-touch Democratic insider who fundamentally has no faith in the principles of the party and holds the base in contempt.”

Wasserman Schultz's role within the Democratic Party has been controversial and in my opinion, is in danger of splitting the party at a time when the Party cannot afford any discension. She should be trying to unify the Democrats but so far has done little to bring that to fruition. Will she stay or go?

DailyKos — A father of two children, a 7-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl, was attacked when he brought both children into a Walmart bathroom with him during a shopping trip in Clinton, Utah.

"This guy walks in and goes to the bathroom, the urinal,” Adams recalled Tuesday. “Then he just, like, turns to me and starts freaking out, dropping the ‘F-bomb,’ and what he was freakingWill she stay or go? out about was that my daughter was in the men’s bathroom.”

Adams said the man told him it was “inappropriate,” and soon began to push him after Adams gave him a terse response.

With so many existing or proposed bathroom laws, this situation is likely to continue to happen over and over again. Never mind that fathers have been taking their young daughters into the men's room for decades, and mothers have been taking their young sons into the women's room for an even longer period. And why? To protect their young children from sexual predators that prey on the very young. To be very clear, I make no reference here to anyone in the LGBTQ community. So, all of a sudden, people have started manufacturing conspiracies around the LGBTQ community and bathrooms. The fear factor has no basis in fact.

WashingtonPost — It's official: Donald Trump will be the Republican presidential nominee this fall. He crested the crucial 1,237-delegate threshold earlier this week in North Dakota, taking what was a near-certainty and turning it into an absolute-certainty.

With the question of whether Trump will win out of the way, we can move on to trying to figure out who he will pick as his running mate. I did this once before, but so much has changed — for Trump and for the rest of the party relative to him — that it needed a total overhaul just a month later.

Jodi Ernst, Bob Corker, Chris Christie, Mary Fallin and Newt Gingrich — these are just 5 of the possible VP picks that Trump could make. Of course there have been other suggestions such as Ben Carson. One article I read earlier today suggested that any VP pick would be male, which given that Trump is a misogynist, makes perfect sense. As to the influence of the RNC in this matter we'll have to wait and see. In another article from Politicususa, the Trump campaign is reportedly broke as it heads into the actual presidential campaign and must rely on fund raising with the RNC. A big name with apparent drawing power, perhaps like Newt Gingrich, may be the choice.

My Universe — h/t TomCat

The E-mail Scandal

Posted by TomCat at 4:02 pm Open Thread, Personal, Politics

May 282016

Republicans have been after the Clintons with one conspiracy theory after another. Now that Hillary is close to clinching the Democratic nomination, they’ve been coming on strong. I almost expect to hear a Republican revelation that Monica gave Hillary a BJ when Slick Willy wasn’t looking. One thing should be clear to all. Violating State Department work guidelines for email could not even justify misdemeanor charges, let alone a felony indictment.

Practically every week, we are inundated with futile attempts to reinvigorate Hillary Clinton’s ’email scandal’ by rival Democrats, the Mainstream Media and Republican opponents. This week’s revelation was just another nothing-burger deluxe with a side of lies. Late Show host, Seth Meyers does a phenomenal job explaining this ‘scandal’, or as he says, ‘the story that just won’t die.’

Let’s face it, they’ve got nothing new. That’s because this is a problem about work rules regarding email, rather than a VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW! ,,, [emphasis original]

From <Crooks and Liars>

Here’s the video.

I have to add that it saddens me to have seen some fellow Bernie Sanders supporters hoping that a felony indictment over the email scandal will drive Hillary from the race, clearing the way for Bernie. Fortunately, that won’t happen. There could not be a worse situation for Bernie and the Democratic Party. I can see the attack ads claiming that Bernie is second best even in even a criminally flawed party, and therefore, does not deserve to be President. Other attack ads would tie Democrats way downballot to the indictment. Those attack ads would work, probably well enough to install Trump in the White House.

I want Bernie to win, but I want him t win fair and square. I’ve voted for him, campaigned for him on the phone, given him money, and written several positive articles about him. But the one thing I will not do is stoop to promoting Republican conspiracy theories. I could not stand the shame.

Open Thread – 5/28/2916

Posted by TomCat at 4:01 pm Open Thread, Personal, Politics

May 282016

Yesterday I was so tired that I took a nap in the morning, took A nap in the afternoon. and took a nap in the evening. I’m getting a late start today, because Julie was here. After I was shined and refined to puddy perfection, I helped her with a few things on the computer and took her out for lunch from a neighborhood food cart.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:06 (average 4:33). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From American Bridge PAC: From birtherism to 9/11-trutherism, and a long-held conviction that global warming is “a hoax,” Donald Trump has for years dabbled in widely-debunked and discredited conspiracy theories.

Except for the 9/11 Truther BS, his nut-job theories are standard Republican Party line.

From Daily Kos: From The Daily Mail:

Bookings at Trump Hotels have plummeted by more than half since The Donald launched his controversial presidential campaign.

While Trump’s own popularity among his voters did not waver as he strode towards the Republican nomination, the hotel arm of his empire has taken a hit, according to data from travel firm Hipmunk.

Reservations at his hotel collection have fallen by 59 per cent year-on-year as their market share has crumbled.

I could not be more pleased that people are protesting against Rump Dump with their wallets.

From Media Matters: In a New York magazine article, Gabriel Sherman reported that Rupert Murdoch, executive co-chairman of Fox News’ parent company, “has signaled he plans to fully back Trump in the general election against Hillary Clinton” in “a sharp reversal from the hostile view he held over much of the past year.”

I told you that the Republican Reichsministry of Propaganda would goose-step behind whomever the Reich picked as Fuhrer.

Cartoon:

0528Cartoon

Everyday Erinyes

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 12:05 am Politics

May 282016

Just one article this week which seems to call for the efforts of the Greek Furies (Erinyes) to come and deal with it. As a reminder, though no one really knows how many there were supposed to be, the three names we have are Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone. These roughly translate as "unceasing," "grudging," and "vengeful destruction."

I doubt whether the Furies need to eat, you know, being immortal and all, and if that's correct, they probably do not barf. But if any story could do it, it's this one. For the rest of us, you have been warned. Barf bags are in order

A young black man with "mental disorders including learning disabilities," who is a player on the footballl team at Dietrich High School in Dietrich, Idaho, was sexually assaulted by teammates last October 23, after football practice, the Washington Post has learned. The report was written by Michael E. Miller, a foreign affairs reporter for the Post, who also blogs for their Morning Mix. [If you want to keep your breakfast down, you may want to avoid the Post’s “Morning Mix” every day]

The Post does not print names of sexual assault victims, nor of suspects charged as juveniles (both policies with which I heartily concur), so I can't use names when I say that, after practice on that date, the youthful suspect held out his arms to the victim as if to hug him. Instead, the suspect restrained the victim so that the other two suspects could attack.

There is both a criminal case and a civil suit regarding this incident. Both say that as the victim was restrained, another teammate, Tanner Ward, 17, who is being charged as an adult, used force to insert a coat hanger into the victim's rectum, after which the third teammate, John R. K. Howard, also being charged as an adult, kicked the coat hanger several times (five or six?), causing "rectal injuries" that required hospital treatment.

This John R. K. Howard sounds like a real jewel. According to the lawsuit, which describes all manner of harassment to which the victim was subjected, he is "a large and aggressive male who had been sent to live with his relatives in Idaho due to his inability to keep out of trouble in Texas." Ummm – how much of a menace does one have to be to be kicked out of Texas, if one is white? The lawsuit also says, "Mr. Howard is a relative of prominent individuals in the community and, at least in part due to his athletic ability and community connections, the Defendants ignored or were deliberately indifferent to the behavior of Mr. Howard which included aggression, taunting and bullying of The Plaintiff and other students in the District."

The community referred to, by the way, is a town of 334 people, and predominatly white. The victim was adopted by his white parents when he was four years old.

The amount and types of abuse doled out should be shocking – but even if we have seen so much now not to be shocked, they are certainly repugnant. I won't list everything, but I will quote this from the article: "It was Howard who, with his bare fists, knocked out the victim, who was made to wear boxing gloves, as teammates and coaches formed a circle around them, the suit says."

Excuse me? Teammates and coaches formed a circle around them?

Sounds like that $10 million lawsuit is pretty solid.

Instead of going into more detail on the abuse, I would like to quote some comments from the Daily Kos diary on the case.

CharlesCurtisVotes: "This makes my heart [hurt] so much. I'm in the verge of tears. My brother (who I lost 4 years ago) was special needs and I can see his face lighting up at the thought of getting a hug only to see it turn so horrible. I can't even begin to describe my sadness."

jusducky: "My brother too….same. Like his health issues were not a big enough hurdle, the bullying was terrible, but it was nothing like this."

Kela5283: "The idea that teachers and other school officials were complicit and cheered this on is just so morally repulsive to me. It just sickens me. They should be fired."

rainmanjr: (in response to Kela 5283) "No. They should be prosecuted as accessories."

Local news and views can be found in what is apparently the major news source in Dietrich, "Magic Valley."

Dear Alecto, dear Megaera, dear Tisiphone, I hope I'm right that you do not barf. I feel like I need a shower just asking you to even be in the same state as these – people. Let alone to pay close enough attention to sort out the guilt. Because I am sure there is plenty of guilt to go around, and plenty of guilty parties who have not even been mentioned. May the Force be with you. (Yeah, I know, different mythology, but this will need all the mythology it can get.)

BTW, my husband had a suggestion for one way the perps might be treated, but if you don't eat or barf, you probably don't do that either.

The Furies and I will be back.

Cross-posted to Care2 at

http://www.care2.com/news/member/101612212/3987590

Personal Update – 5/27/2016

Posted by TomCat at 11:05 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

May 272016

Yesterday I attended my guy’s second banquet at OSP. It was smaller than the first, but I still enjoyed chatting with a few of my guys and their families about the commitment my guys have made to rebuild themselves and the importance of encouragement and support from their families. One man’s wife talked about how much progress he has made in the CoDA group we sponsor, and mentioned that relationships are failing on both sides of their family. I suggested she find a CoDA group for herself and hope she does. I arrived home after 10 PM, and it took me until after 2:00 AM to unwind, so I took a nap this morning and plan to take another this afternoon.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 2:46 (average 4:49). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

0527Cartoon

Friday Fun – Cat Sign Language: The Tales a Cat’s Tail Tells

Posted by SoINeedAName at 8:16 am Politics

May 272016

A cat uses its tail not only for balance and as a rudder, but also as a method of a pretty sophisticated sign language all their own. And amazingly enough it’s pretty consistent between all different breeds of cats.

The Flagpole Tail

When your cat’s tail is sticking straight up like a flagpole, it’s a sign your cat is feeling confident and content. It’s a sign of happiness and a desire to be friendly with you. And if you see the tip of an erect tail give a little twitch, it means they’re enjoying a particularly happy moment.

This is particularly prevalent in kittens – it’s like they’re saying their first word, and it’s “Momma!”

And the mother cat uses this position when she wants her kittens to follow her. Just like those guides holding up their sign when leading a herd or tourists around museums and other crowded venues – it makes them easier to spot.

But sometimes the upright tail can be given a brief, forceful and sudden jerk forward. This is a sign of irritation or derision – similar to giving someone “The Finger”.

The Question Mark Tail

When it’s curved like a question mark or shepherd’s crook, this tail signals a friendly, playful mood. Your cat is relaxed and ready to share some fun with you. He’s saying: “Some head scritches and ear rubs would be most welcomed!”

The Low-to-the-Ground Tail

When your cat’s tail is held horizontally straight behind it, s/he is not certain what is going on, and is signaling that she’s ready to either pounce or play. Probably best to go very slow and let your feline friend make the call of what her mood will be.

The Fish Hook or Horseshoe Tail

When the tail is held either horizontally or angled down a little and has a hook at the base, it’s an early sign of defensive aggression or at least feeling feisty – like running around like crazy for no apparent reason.

(Sorry … Couldn't find a good example)

Swishing Tail

A tail that moves slowly and methodically from side-to-side is seen when your cat is focusing on an object – a bug or a toy. It’s frequently seen right before they pounce.

Thrashing Tail

This is a sign he’s preparing for offensive aggression. When that tail whips back-and-forth – or slaps the floor – the critter is either irritated or fearful, and it won’t take much to provoke full-throated aggression. Consider yourself warned!

The Bottlebrush Tail

We’re all familiar with this iconic tail – a tail of defensive aggression. The tail is poofed out as much as possible, and frequently the back is arched and the hackles are up. (Hackles are the special hairs down the middle of the back of animals – particularly cats and dogs.)

They do this in order to make themselves look bigger to their aggressor or perceived threat in hopes he’ll back off – but is ready to take action if necessary.

The Tucked Tail

We’ve all heard the expression about someone slinking away “with their tail between their legs.”

So when your cat tucks its tail between its legs, it indicates submission – or at least uncertainty.

The Entwined Tail

Those cute kitty pictures we’ve all enjoyed clearly demonstrates a feline feeling of friendship. So when your critter wraps its tail around your leg or wrist, he’s simply saying “I like you – let’s be friends” … OR “How about feeding me some noms?”

The Vibrating Tail

With its tail straight up in the air and quivering, your cat is telling you she’s not only happy – but excited because she anticipates something good is coming … like FOOD!

The Stretching Tail

This is a two-part process …

The Fireplace Cat Tail

While sitting or lying down, their tails are wrapped around themselves – a sign of comfortable content … “All’s right with the world.”

And this is the "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" variant …

Resources

http://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/cat-body-language

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2011/10/18/the-tail-speaks-louder-than-words/

http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/what-your-cats-tail-can-tell-you

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2015/01/03/cat-tail-language.aspx

http://www.petforums.com/showthread.php/7922-cats-tails-and-body-language

http://catwisdom101.com/cat-tail-talk-101/

http://messybeast.com/cat_talk2.htm

Musings in Preparation for Memorial Day Weekend 2016

Posted by jla at 9:45 pm Politics

May 262016

In politics it is said, that when not fueled by hope there is a vacuum for fear to fill. Since artists turn to the muses, Clio, Euterpe, Thalia, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Erato, Polymnia, Ourania and Calliope we are exploring what they can offer us for inspiration to have the hope fueling politics. This time you get to choose which muse would claim the story-enjoy! [Reminder of who claims what is at the end].

“Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil. Our great hope lies in developing what is good.”

– Calvin Coolidge

“Beware how you take away hope from another human being.“

-Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Pope Francis might jettison idea of a ‘just war’

http://www.cruxnow.com/ap/2016/05/26/pope-francis-might-jettison-idea-of-a-just-war/

There's a chance Haiti might join the African Union. Do you know why?

http://www.upworthy.com/theres-a-chance-haiti-might-join-the-african-union-do-you-know-why?c=upw1

Atallah hadn't been able to talk to his daughter for 2 years. Then NetHope came along.

http://www.upworthy.com/atallah-hadnt-been-able-to-talk-to-his-daughter-for-2-years-then-nethope-came-along?c=upw1

The power of engaging young people in community organizing

http://afsc.org/blogs/power-youth-organizing?utm_source=AFSCnow&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MayAFSCnow

After getting sick, this 15-year-old missed her favorite band — until they surprised her.

http://www.upworthy.com/after-getting-sick-this-15-year-old-missed-her-favorite-band-until-they-surprised-her?c=upw1

The most beautiful voice in the world! This girl started CRYING.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHJRBpIZm1o

The Amazing Kid Guitar Player

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfDgI0gVAW8

Ever wish you could live inside your favorite book? You can at this incredible new place.

http://www.upworthy.com/ever-wish-you-could-live-inside-your-favorite-book-you-can-at-this-incredible-new-place?c=upw1

What does it take to rebuild a coral reef?

https://concernworldwide.exposure.co/rebuilding-the-philippines-reefs/?utm_source=may-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2016newsletter

Sean & Luke: Teen Duo Tap Dance to "Classic" by MKTO – America's Got Talent 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHfiPc7QPj8

I spent a few minutes digging in my yard all in the name of cancer research.

http://www.upworthy.com/i-spent-a-few-minutes-digging-in-my-yard-all-in-the-name-of-cancer-research?c=upw1

The Twist – Chubby Checker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im9XuJJXylw

Judges stopped her because they couldn't believe it's her real voice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8etPN7Or8ZE

Thank you dear reader for joining me on this journey of discovery and quest for hope–I found some, how about you?

Nine Muses are:
1. Clio: The Muse Clio discovered history and guitar. History was named Clio in the ancient years, because it refers to “kleos” the Greek word for the heroic acts. Clio was always represented with a clarion in the right arm and a book in the left hand.
2. Euterpe: Muse Euterpe discovered several musical instruments, courses and dialectic. She was always depicted holding a flute, while many instruments were always around her.
3. Thalia: Muse Thalia was the protector of comedy; she discovered comedy, geometry, architectural science and agriculture. She was also protector of Symposiums. She was always depicted holding a theatrical – comedy mask.
4. Melpomene: Opposite from Thalia, Muse Melpomene was the protector of Tragedy; she invented tragedy, rhetoric speech and Melos. She was depicted holding a tragedy mask and usually bearing a bat.
5. Terpsichore: Terpsichore was the protector of dance; she invented dances, the harp and education. She was called Terpsichore because she was enjoying and having fun with dancing ( “Terpo” in Greek refers to be amused). She was depicted wearing laurels on her head, holding a harp and dancing.
6. Erato: Muse Erato was the protector of Love and Love Poetry – as well as wedding. Her name comes from the Greek word “Eros” that refers to the feeling of falling in love. She was depicted holding a lyre and love arrows and bows.
7. Polymnia: Muse Polymnia was the protector of the divine hymns and mimic art; she invented geometry and grammar. She was depicted looking up to the Sky, holding a lyre.
8. Ourania: Muse Ourania was the protector of the celestial objects and stars; she invented astronomy. She was always depicted bearing stars, a celestial sphere and a bow compass.
9. Calliope: Muse Calliope was the superior Muse. She was accompanying kings and princes in order to impose justice and serenity. She was the protector of heroic poems and rhetoric art. According to the myth, Homer asks from Calliope to inspire him while writing Iliad and Odyssey, and, thus, Calliope is depicted holding laurels in one hand and the two Homeric poems in the other hand.”

The Reich on the Left is Right Again!

Posted by TomCat at 10:58 am Politics

May 262016

If you want to goose step in lock step behind a fascist Reich that is always wrong, sell out to the Reich on the Right, the Republican Reich. On the other hand, if you want to walk in harmony next to a Reich that is virtually always right, choose the Reich on the left, Robert Right.

Robert Reich posted a message about the ‘Bernie or Bust’ concept on his Facebook page on May 19, 2016. He received mixed reviews. To read his original post, click here. One week later, Reich posted another status facing his critics. Here are his thoughts:

Robert Reich, May 25, 2016

Last week I suggested Bernie supporters do three things: (1) fight like hell for Bernie until he either gets or loses the nomination, (2) if Hillary gets the nomination, fight like hell for her, and (3) regardless of who wins the nomination or the election, continue to build a powerful progressive movement.

Several of you disagree with (1), saying Bernie has no chance, and his continuing candidacy is just hurting Hillary, so he should bow out of the race. I’ll get back to this point in a subsequent post.

Here I want to address those of you who disagree with (2). As I understand your arguments, they fall into four categories:

1. Some of you say that by refusing to fight for Hillary (if she gets the nomination) you’ll show the political establishment you want the changes Bernie has been advocating. The problem with this logic is the “political establishment” is nothing but a bunch of people in comfortable and often privileged positions who will continue doing what they’re doing because they like the status quo, and won’t even be aware you’re not fighting for Hillary – unless, that is, Hillary loses to Trump. Which leads to the next argument.

2. Some of you say there’s no real difference between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. The problem with this logic is it’s wrong. Regardless of what you may think of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump is a true menace to this nation and to the world. He’s a narcissistic, xenophobic, hatemonger who, if elected, would legitimize bigotry, appoint Supreme Court justices with terrible values, and have his finger on the nuclear bomb. Need I say more? Which brings us to the third argument.

3. Some of you say a Trump presidency would be so horrible it would galvanize a forceful progressive movement in response. The problem with this argument is twofold. First, Trump could do huge and unalterable damage to America and the world in the meantime. Second, rarely if ever in history has a sharp swing to the right moved the political pendulum further back in the opposite direction. Instead, it tends to move the “center” rightward, as did Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

4. Finally, some of you say that even if Hillary is better than Trump, you’re tired of choosing the “lesser of two evils,” and you’re going to vote your conscience by either writing Bernie’s name in, or voting for the Green Party candidate, or not voting at all. I can’t criticize you for voting your conscience, of course. But your conscience should know that a decision not to vote for Hillary is a de facto decision to help Donald Trump.

What do you think?… [emphasis added]

From <Daily Kos>

The Reich on the left is right! Failure to vote blue, even if it’s "voting your conscience" is selling out to the Reich on the Right, the Republican Reich.

Vote Blue No Matter Who!!

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