Well here it is . . . Friday! I was out most of the day teaching English to Lucia. Jonathan got 100% on his math homework and he has quite a bit to do for Tuesday. I am very proud of him! I also helped him with a socials assignment, specifically his English writing skills. All the kids need help that way and take special language arts classes because English is their 2nd language even though most of them were born in Canada. Monday is a provincial statutory holiday so the kids will be home. I agreed to help Jonathan again on Monday. Loliyo, Jonathan's 9 year old sister, needs some help with math and English too so we are devising a programme for her. There's no rest for the wicked, but yes Lona, I am trying to watch my time.
Short Takes
Huffington Post — Islamophobia is real. And it's not going anywhere.
After last year's terror attacks in Paris and mass shooting in San Bernardino, California — and amidst a surge in anti-Muslim rhetoric from U.S. politicians — reports about Muslims in America facing violence, harassment, intimidation and bigotry have become omnipresent. Many Muslims say Islamophobia is worse now than it's ever been — even worse than it was after 9/11.
Islamophobia in the US is rampant, and IMO, unjustifiably so. Many people go on about Sharia law and how they think it is taking over US law, but they are quite satisfied to live with Biblical law, or at least their version of it, and subject all people, including non Christians, to it. Isn't that a double standard? It is to me. The 1st amendment to the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the separation of church and state. Leave religion in the home and the place of worship. Huff Post has committed to documenting instances of Islamophobia during 2016. Click through to read the incidences of Islamophobia for January 2016.
Alternet — You know that “TrusTed” logo? The one with TRUS and TED merged, yet separated via different colors?
Turns out that when you Google “TRUS”, the logo at once becomes hilarious and hilariously appropriate . . .
Click through for the reason Cruz's logo is so damned funny and appropriate. Sorry TC, I know we agreed on restraint, but I couldn't help myself! I was busting a gut laughing so wanted to share.
Truthout — Across America, corporate interests are taking aim at local government.
With Congress gridlocked and a majority of state legislatures controlled by right-wing interests, cities have become laboratories of democracy for progressive policies like a higher minimum wage, LGBTQ protections, or parental leave.
In response, corporate interests and groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) have increasingly been turning to state "preemption" measures – some of them unprecedentedly aggressive – to override an array of progressive policy gains at the city or county level.
"2015 saw more efforts to undermine local control on more issues than any year in history," said Mark Pertschuk, director of the watchdog group Preemption Watch.
So which is it . . . government of the people, by the people and for the people OR government of the corporations, by the corporations and for the corporations? With 2010's Supreme Court decision, Citizens United, it would seem the latter. It certainly bears out that for there to be progressive reforms, the American people must start by changing local politics and moving up. Changing local, state and federal representation can be done concurrently, but it still takes time to get all the ducks lined up.
My Universe —
Happy Friday . . . and an even happier weekend!
12 Responses to “Squatch’s Open Thread 05/02/2016”
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You know how I have a fondness for graphics, so here's a shortcut to to smarmy Ted's "TRUSTed"
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22transrectal+ultrasound%22&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj44bDBsOPKAhXJJiYKHSYwBHkQ_AUICCgC
That certainly left nothing to the imagination, Nameless! As all pictures of real subjects discretely left their faces turned away, It was easy to imagine them all to be of Cruz himself LOL.
HuffPo – I found a loverly summary of how to tell whether or not your religious freedom is being infringed (Hint: it isn't, for those who are whining the most). But I left it on my other computer. I will offer this:
Religion: I don't eat pork.
Tealiban religious freedom: I got a job at a barbecue so I can make sure YOU don't eat pork.
And who doesn't know that it is neither Christian, nor in accordance with any religion known to mankind, to threaten and/or assault those of a different faith? As TC would say, there's no word other than "Republicans."
AlterNet – Hey, I had the same reaction, which is why I put the link in a comment on TC's Open Thread yesterday. Something new to google! (And amazing how close it is to "Uranus Inspepctor.")
Truthout – And these are the same people who, when the Federal Government tells them that can't poison air and water, scream to high heaven that their rights are being overridden. What can you call them but "Republican"? But knowing it is not enough – they need to be voted out – and that means TURNOUT and VOTING THE ENTIRE BALLOT. I know, I sound like a broken record (since the demographic here is "older" hopefully all will know what I mean.)
"(And amazing how close it is to "Uranus Inspepctor.")", Wow, you're sharp as a razor today, Joanne.
Why, thanks! I also put that into my comment on the Daily Kos story. I guess I ought to check for responses.
I am back at the computer that has the religious freedom guide, but it is so late I'll put it up in a comment tomorrow. I'll make sure I have it ehere I can get it from any computer.
Finally got a chance to look at that comment. 10 recs, the most I have ever gotten, and one response which I would consider supportive.
I see you're starting your own brand of home schooling now, Lynn. Joking aside, it's great you help these kids to learn English like it was their first language, because not having mastered the language at the required level will hold them back on most other subjects too, with the exception of math, that is 😉
HuPo: Islamophobia is real and rampant in Europe too. And although there are some who base their hatred on the fear of the Sharia spreading and taking over this far less the case in more secular Europe, in contrast what one would expect. It is indeed a double standard, Lynn, when people don't mind that their version of a religion is pushed down the throat of others and a reality, but fear that Muslims will do the same, which is a myth. Of course in Europe people fear Muslims too because they think they will push the Sharia down their throats, but here it is because they don't want any religion or religious law imposed on them. I can't explain this difference in Islamophobia yet.
Alternet: This explanation of Ted's new logo is hilarious and should go viral as soon as possible. It'll annoy this pharisee no end and is entirely appropriate.
Thruthout: Republican candidates may be extraordinarily stupid but their corporate masters sadly are not and they've realized by now that the battlefield has shifted from Congress and State legislature to local government at city and county level. If Democrats do not realize this soon and stave off the attacks of the likes of ALEC on this level, and make sure that they not only hold on to their seats but increase them at the next elections, it soon won't matter much who becomes the next American president. The corporations will rule the country.
My Universe: Thank's Lynn for a great start of my weekend.
HuffPo: Racism and hate are on the same hand, as well as Islamophobia and prejudices. Seems to be escalating too, by the link. Very sad.
AlterNet: It's hilarious!! And…so appropriate for him.
TruthOut: Our tiny town, and me living in a Red state doesn't look good for rights and privileges for the common man/citizen. Unless, of course, one is a corporation or a millionaire(s). Yes, Lona, I agree. The corporations will rule the country if we're not careful.
My Universe: Love the kitten and ducklings. Adorable!!
Sounds like you had a great week helping your students, it makes a difference in how they look at learning, too. One on one is good for them, and you, in the long run. Enjoy your day, and Thanks, Lynn.
Kudos to you, Lynn! You shouldbe most proud if what you do!
Jesus acceptedf those of other faiths like Samaritans and Romans. He met them at the point of their need.
Was I right to call the Misguided Cruz Missile "Uranus Inspector", oe what?
For the Republican Party, it is the latter.
Belated TGIF!!
Alternet: See my C2 posting, called "Teddy Needs aTrus?": http://www.care2.com/news/member/565542931/3952481
HP: I've not heard much complaint about Sharia law lately, but I agree with you totally about the Biblical law. Any Theocracy is too much!
ALEC is as much an enemy of democracy as Isis, has apparently been at the forefront of the funding of global waming propaganda.
The middle cat looks like Yoda, on a bad hair day.
Personally, I wanted to share Alan Grayson's take on Ted that just came in one of his emails:
"Ted Cruz is Canada’s revenge for acid rain. Marco Rubio looks like a thirsty frat boy wearing a suit that is two sizes too big. Donald Trump is a highly advanced form of The Terminator sent back in time to destroy the Republican Party (makes as much sense as anything else). Ben Carson hears musice no one else hears, because it isn't there. Carly Fiorina wants to do to America what she did to Hewlett Packard, and boy was that ugly. Chris Christie is a bully. I just almost feel bad for Jeb Bush (then I remember his record as Florida Governor)."
ROTFLAPMPYSST!