We’re moving into a couple days of hot weather. It’s cool now, but the sun just hit the wall, so I’ll have to button up and go to AC before long. I like fresh air so much better.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 6:03 (average 7:30). To do it, click here. How did you do?
For our secretive Canadian friends:
Short Takes:
From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): The greatest, growing threat to America
China had no trouble getting around the Republican Reich. All it took was an investment in a Trump business for Trump to switch to ‘Make China Great Again." RESIST!!
From Media Matters: Today, senators voted on a resolution to undo a 2017 move by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to end net neutrality regulations, but major television and print media outlets have devoted little more than a few mentions to the issue.
This dearth of coverage may stem in part from the distraction of President Donald Trump, as since his election, media outlets have been laser-focused on his statements and actions. Several significant Trump–relatedstories did break today, but it’s nonetheless obvious that media outlets have done little to address their Trump obsession and prioritize the many other issues that matter to Americans.
Net neutrality requires internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon to give their users equal access to all internet content. Upending these rules means that, for a fee, ISPs can prioritize certain websites, allowing them to load more quickly on their users’ devices, and slow down or even block other sites. As Wired’s Klint Finley explained, “Well-established services from deep-pocketed companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft will likely remain widely available. But net-neutrality advocates argue that smaller companies that don’t have the money to pay for fast lanes could suffer. In other words, protecting net neutrality isn’t about saving Netflix but about saving the next Netflix.”
The FCC, led by Trump-nominated Ajit Pai, decided last year to end net neutrality rules in a move that voters across the political spectrum largely opposed. Leading up to the FCC’s vote, though, many media outlets were shockingly silent on the repercussions of upending consumer protections on internet access.
As Democratic senators made a last-ditch effort to salvage net neutrality rules — which passed in the Senate — coverage by many media outlets is still nowhere to be found.
I did not know the bill had passed. I hope that enough Republicans will side with Democrats in the house to pass it, but I doubt it. RESIST!!
From Alternet: Before the theocratic government of today’s Iran, there was the brutal Shah. Before the Shah, the CIA overthrew a pro-Western government that had been democratically elected. Mohammad Mossadegh was the prime minister and his US-backed downfall in 1953 was the spark that set in motion the conflict with Iran today. In this interview, Medea Benjamin sheds light on this seminal incident with Iran. She also explores the nation’s history and politics.
Click through for a fascinating read. We need to remember that much of the third world opposition we face today stems directly from right-wing imperialism, RESIST!!
Cartoon:
12 Responses to “Open Thread – 5/21/2018”
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7:52 If it looks like a DYC, and smells like a DYC, and blooms like a DYC, it probably is a DYC (using the alias of “Asteraceae” in this case.)
Cartoon – Gee … Maybe I should have saved my Mattie Turnipseed quote until today.
“Higher Heights” is sort of like Emily’s List and/or Lean In and/or Off the Sidelines, only black. It’s deeply involved in Georgia’s gubernatorial primary, and points out how black women put Doug Jones over the top. “[A black woman] doesn’t go to the polls alone…. She brings her house, her church, her block, and her sorority. When you actually invest in us, we overperform.”
MSNBC – Donald probably doesn’t even know it happened/is happening. He is too obsessed with saving his worthless skin.
MM – I did know the bill had passed, and is going to the house, which will be interesting … in the sense of “May you live in interesting times.” I’ve been signing petitions specifically directed to House members, pleading with them.
AlterNet – Well, yeah. Just before coming here, I saw a graphic which essentially said to not even try facts and logic on Rethugs, because “you’re not the Dumbfuck Whisperer.” Well, no I’m not. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if there really were one? Or several? Or hundreds?
Cartoon – Don’t start me on objectivization. You’ll be sorry if you do.
Perhaps for a “Dumbfuck Whisperer” we need a good guy with a gun. ?
Cartoon: Happy Victoria Day to our Northern neighbors, and Scotland. WooHoo!!
MSNBC: China is moving ahead with their economy, investments, and growth whereas, we have an oaf who tries to benefit for his own gain, rather than it’s citizens.
MM: Yes the bill passed, but now it goes to the House. Fingers crossed!!
AN: Good read! Passing on to friends too.
Cartoon: Nobody is safe from the most fearsome weapon ever designed by humans. ~wired~
Another thunderstorm, wish it would rain every other day here. Hope that you have a relaxing evening, take care, and Thanks, Tom.
I was delighted to hear that the bill to protect net neutrality passed in the Senate, but as the ancient saw goes, it ain’t over till it’s over. I have already contacted my Rep – and sent him a petition with over 38,000 signatures.
It’s freezing here TC, wish i could swap with you, i need heat!!!
If that pic is you, you should be able to heat the entire continent.
MSNBC: China isn’t the greatest, growing threat to America, Drumpf is. He’s handing economic leadership to China on a golden platter. Here’s another area in which the EU is learning to stand on its own two feet and trying to become a more independent economic unity. Time for change.
MM: If House Republicans have any sense at all and want to keep their seat in November, they’d vote along with House Democrats on this resolution too. But by keeping stum the main media outlets have given them a perfect opportunity to do their masters’ bidding and vote against ending it.
I’ve run out of time and will read the rest later.
Thanks all. Busy Hugs!
Awwww TC, i just saw your comment, that’s so sweet!! ?