Amen! I was just thinking yesterday that I am SO proud of his handling of the Ukraine/Russia crisis. This alone should raise his approval numbers big time!
Yeah, that one got me. I guess because he won the election of 2016, it is in his (their) little mind(s) that she is the best enemy to attack. That is all I can think of; what I see in my head regarding Clinton is her testimony countless times over many hours over Benghazi.
I think the rant tfg made shows he his mentally ill—he still is going after Hillary because he thinks it is still 2016. He has gone back in his mind to the time of his great defeat of her.
WGAS... nice guys ( & Girls) finish last. But, the test remains.., to have done so without cheating, to graciously accept the trophy, and dispense with all that obnoxious behavior till the next time.
How are we lucky, exactly? His predecessor, a mentally ill cultist with millions of followers, is still free to roam the land spreading a brain-infecting fungal disease that rots any mind it gets a hold on.
Here is a list of Joe Biden's accomplishments, all in his first year! And there are so many more!
• American Rescue Plan
• Infrastructure bill- bipartisan
• Strengthen NATO Alliance
• Gathered allies to challenge Putin's aggression
• Ended 10-year Afghan War
• Reduced troops in Iraq
• Negotiations that begin with sanctions, not soldiers
• Rejoined WHO and Paris Climate Accord
• Jobless rate reduced by 2%
• Increased American jobs by 6 million 2021
• 5.7% economic growth in 2021
• Appointed the most diverse, highly qualified cabinet in U.S. history
• Reduced child poverty by 40%
• increased by 4 million # of Americans with healthcare
• vaccinated 210 million Americans.
• Provides access to daily White House Press conferences, speeches, panels and CDC updates on national t.v. White house.gov/live -genuine transparency
• Established a minimum international tax to end foreign tax shelters
• Formed a committee to address supply chain issues
• Created policies to increase renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Recruited Federal and military assistance to aid hospitals overwhelmed with Covid cases
• Made masks and at home tests available to all Americans
• Worked directly with American mayors to put funding for local initiatives to immediate use.
• Engaged Defense Production Act to buy more vaccines, worked with states to establish vaccine sites and Transportation to them; established vaccine centers in pharmacies across the country.
• This week, the entire city of Newark announced the eradication of all lead pipes. Amazing testimonies from citizens about the efficient, cost-free process.
Great list, and that's great news about Newark--wow! But he only reduced child poverty by 40% for 6 months. The child tax credit went down with everything else in the BBB, though he did finally say, when it was too late, that he could see reforming the filibuster to get it through. By then Manchin had axed the tax credit: "too generous."
Thank you for that, MaryPat! It can’t be posted enough! I love POTUS, FLOTUS, and the entire team. President Uncle Joe Biden is really coming into his own!
Glad is disgusting—someone wondered if he’s married. I think he’s bored living in that palace and he has a stable of gorgeous women who make sure he’s happy—a la Epstein…
I read somewhere that Rupert’s ex was Vlad’s squeeze a while back. Talk about a back channel since Wendy and Ivanka were BFFs. Would love to know if it’s true.
Ur right. Remember the Belorussian call girl arrested in Thailand, who reached out to the FBI? She had video/audio of oligarch Deriposka discussing the 2016 interference on his yacht loaded with young Russian women and a few other oIigarghs.
Also, one Defected KGB/FDSB agent accused Putin of being a pedafile among other accusations. He ended up being poisoned with Plutonium by other active agents in London. But before he died he finished his writing his memoirs, including his investigation on who and how the Moscow apartment bombings were staged, that lead to the invasion and destruction of Chechnya.
We have a large Russian population who have settled in the Boston suburbs—almost every day I get emails from them telling me there are great picture of these women who will make me so happy—it’s very funny in a way — I’m 72 and happily married with no interest in this kind of thing—so I quickly click away and certainly haven’t bothered to check our the porn they’re desperate to send.
Yo.. Liz, hohohoh..., it's perfectly fine to be a "Blondie" fan. Go easy on that "Russian population"in Boston. That 'site' you're familiar with is probably streaming out of Numbnutz' scum-pit condos in Miami Beach USA..., errrr ahh owned by some seedy Russians laundering money.
“also refers to Napoleon. But I passed along “short” genes and am short. As a kid I was patted on the head and people called me Peanut while my twin brother grew to 6’2” and my parents were relieved it wasn’t the other way around. I hope someday we get past those stereotype/generalizations so people don’t grow into them.
You Know It....Liz. Girls! Round-the-world.... Girls. Yup.., they just wanna have fun :)... ask Blondie. Have to admit, I've always liked those kinds of girls. I actually live with one!
In fact Putin was pushing Bernie Sanders as a Presidential Candidate over Biden because Putin knew Biden would beat Trump. Since it is well known could you provide a citation or two to back up your assertion? Frankly, I doubt your assertion.
I invite you to check the quotes and sources in these listings. Here is one. "Republican Senator John Kennedy says he believes Joe Biden was not assertive enough during his high-stakes phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin." And the Washington Times (another Google source) has this rating from the Media Bias Fact Check --"Reasoning: Numerous Failed Fact Checks, Poor Sourcing, Lack of Transparency
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER.
Just 'cause someone is sayin' it don't make it true.
For the record, I never said I thought Biden was weak — now or when he was VP. I was asked a question and tried to answer it without spending time I don't have to do a lot of research. If someone doesn't believe the report I heard on NPR, fine by me. I thought it was worth sharing. Also, because Putin believes something doesn't make it true. I'm sure he like many Russians believe U.S. leaders are weak. Why? Because U.S. leaders typically don't throw people out windows or poison them etc.
Well Sophia, since we have witnessed the prurient behavior of Numbnutz, they were probably concerned more about kidney cleanliness and who was in charge of the hotel mattress disposal crew.
Biden has the experience to know when it's appropriate to avoid free-association self-calming exercises and when to put away the trick squirt-gun lapel pin on very serious occasions. When Congress rewrites the Office of the President and installs anti-personnel mines between the lines to ward off interpreters face recognizable as Stephen Miller and Stevie Bannon, a sentence should be added to the oath of office that says the Oath Taker swears he or she has read and been tested on the job description. Some added assurance of threshold intelligence comes for free hereby from the demonstrative proof that the new leader-in-waiting can actually read.
Yes! A test. At least. Can’t believe that most serious jobs have serious prerequisites and qualifications. That’s missing and a glaring mistake to suggest that age and birthplace are enough to put in a bid for one of the most powerful and serious leadership positions in the world. Seriously.
Yes, I think that psychological testing would be a good idea, but I also think there should be educational and related experience as part of the application process. President of a country: our lives are in their hands. Most positions of such responsibility need a person who can analyze, be connected to the needs of all citizens. Balance a budget, relate to others, keep us safe, and much much more. It’s not(but maybe it is: tfg) a role for a play.
it would be telling enough if he was asked to sit for an interview without the hair. It's his whole personality. Are you too wondering why the public never saw him intubated in the Covid bed at Walter Reed? When you've been exposed to "the look", you've seen the only thing that matters chez Trump, and there is nothing else to see. His hairdresser confessed she/he was the only one who knew for sure, but she's DACA and has to be careful what she says.
Thank you, Spooky Singer. Apropos of your comment, I’d like to urge all readers to watch this play about Sandy Hook families. The play is put on by high school theater groups. The title is 26 Pebbles and the play is on YouTube. Captions are available. https://youtu.be/DCaPMTs5wCc. Toni A.
"Capitalism without competition is exploitation." - Pres. Joe Biden
For an American president in 2022 to associate 'capitalism' and 'exploitation', even at the distance of a qualifier, is remarkable. The Biden administration is redefining the dangers of monopolies in a way which further repudiates the Chicago school of economics' creed of 'greed is good.'
Businesses are responsible for more than profit making. Who knew? The Sandy Hook victims have proven that in court. For the victims of gun violence to win a case against a gun manufacturer, is I think unprecedented.
Thanks lin, my thoughts precisely. Particularly the repudiation of the abhorrent Chicago School of Economics. And now for more exposure of the Harvard Business School and their perversion of business in society.
With regard to the Chicago School and the dread Milton, read "Shock Doctrine" by Naomi Klein. It's a quite devastating expose of the incredible and far-reaching influence of the Chicago School - and their direct involvement in US activities such as the overthrow of Allende in Chile. "Never let a good catastrophe go to waste".
Very interesting read! In a way Amazon is the confirmation of Margaret Thatcher: "there is no state, there is only individuals". If you control the selling, you control the production and everyone in between, that costs, and you can sell cheaper as long as consumers are individuals. IKEA was founded on the same principle, and also the 18th century capitalist that founded Swedish iron industry.
Putin embraced the orthodox church with control and success. China had the one-child policy to get rid of cousins, that might be start of clans, so there is nothing out of control between the state and the individual.
For the layperson like myself, the use of the root word liberal is in reference to relaxed or minimal regulations on the so called free market! I was confused since liberal is usually associated with a very different meaning!
I was uncertain myself about its meaning. Both definitions, below, seem to be leaning toward Libertarianism.
"neoliberalism (ˌniːəʊˈlɪbərəˌlɪzəm; -ˈlɪbrəˌlɪzəm) n
1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a modern politico-economic theory favouring free trade, privatization, minimal government intervention in business, reduced public expenditure on social services, etc
2. (Economics) a modern politico-economic theory favouring free trade, privatization, minimal government intervention in business, reduced public expenditure on social services, etc
This is an interesting article on the relations or similarities between neoliberalism and religion. On the other hand, the Wikipedia page on the publication Counterpunch raises a few red flags. (Not that Wikipedia is the end-all and be-all of sources.) My conclusion is that you have to judge each article individually and keep your antennae in order.
I like MediaBias/FactCheck to get a sense of the orientation of a publication or website. According to MB/FC, Counterpunch is rated as Far (but not Extreme) Left, "Mostly Factual" and "Analysis / Bias
In review, CounterPunch presents news and opinions with a strong progressive left bias in story selection. Most stories favor the left and use loaded language such as these: The Blob Fought the Squad, and the Squad Won and The Immoral Silence to the Destructive Xenophobia of “Just Leave.” This latter piece does not indicate an opinion article and provides zero hyperlinked sources to vet those opinions. CounterPunch also regularly praises and highlights Julian Assange of Wikileaks, who outright lied and created the Seth Rich conspiracy theory. CounterPunch favors Democratic Socialism such as Bernie Sanders, Anti-Imperialism, and Venezuela when it comes to politics. The general editorial position of CounterPunch is Left." In the end, as you write, one has "to judge each article individually and keep your antennae in order."
I read the article without vetting the source, but am fairly well versed (no pun intended) in far-right religious shenanigans. While I wouldn’t follow them, I did find this particular article interesting due to the quite obvious (and discussed ad nauseam in many venues) connection to Calvin, the rise of capitalism during the Reformation, Puritans and the American “work ethic”.
True! I think of it as a viewpoint connecting some dots, now that we have experience and outcomes; the whole subject is hardly open to facts / non facts, but as such I still find it interesting. When do we at all know when we are motivated by ideology, religion, fear, superstition, habit...?
Turned my head around. Excellent book. When 9/11 happened, and I was living jut 12 blocks north of the WTC, I felt like I was waking from a Rip van Winkle toe sleep. I started reading and Naomi Klein was one of the first books I picked up. What I read and understood about” disaster capitalism” was about to happen in Lower Manhattan.
In the case of Chile and the Chicago School, I believe Nixon and Kissinger planned all phases of it. First, corrupt the traditionally apolitical Chilean military. Second, have the corrupted military force under Gen. Pinochet commence a period of blitzkrieg in detaining Chilean citizens en masse; then, torturing and murdering the detainees as well as making them disappear. Finally, bringing in Milton Friedman and "the Chicago boys" to design and implement the economic system which Pres. Nixon and SoS Kissinger wanted in place. All done as a "simple" 1-2-3.
Tragically, the gun-war industries control the federal budget! Since little bush let the assault ban law lapse, no other POTUS has had the courage to take on that issue! Federal $$$$ for various ‘security’ agencies is well over a trillion $$$$$, yet school children are still being slaughtered by unchecked weapon sales!
Some became twisted by their imagined perversions of persecution infecting their soul’s conformation into a likeness of a god that could only exist in their world of self-deception.
Greed mongers with all sycophants, (complicit in their cunning silent ebullience), are always ground down into the dust’s choking suffocation of astonishment, not by the One GOD they never knew, (for HE is only Love), but by HIS faith imbued disciples in a Love that is beyond our capacity to every fully comprehend.
It is work...requires time to research and compare...listen to your heart...do not vote blind this time! Improving our American democracy is worth the effort!!!
Regarding democracy and capitalism. You have said it perfectly. Exactly.
Biden does not have the power to enforce that, but he does have the experience, guts, concern, and political savvy to nominate people who can institute and enforce that structural change to the degree that the Executive Branch is allowed by law.
“The U.S., NATO, and Ukraine are not a threat to Russia, [Biden] said, and we have no beef with Russian citizens.”
An open, democratic Ukraine is no threat to Russia. An open, democratic Ukraine is a threat to Vladimir Putin, because it might well lead to an open, democratic Russia.
I forget where I saw it, but there was an article on what is called "Finlandiszation", and it was proposed as something that Ukraine could consider. Finland is a member of the EU and they have embraced the Euro, but they are not a member of NATO (neither is Sweden). At one time, until just after WW I, Finland was a part of Russia. The article discussed how the Finns themselves prefer not to talk about this "Finlandization" because it can be perceived as a sign of weakness. In a sense, they seemingly appeased Russia by keeping them at bay by not making what could be seen as a direct threat by joining NATO. It is thought the Finns, in a way, were showing respect for their history with Russia by not antagonizing it. Russia, more than anything, does not want to directly border any country that is a member of NATO. Period. The Baltics (Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia) are full-fledged NATO members, and have in essence, defied Russia's wishes. (However, apart of what possibly appeases Russia in this is that the Baltics are basically surrounded by Russia and don't border any other NATO country, save for a small border shared between NATO members Poland and Lithuania, and their western borders are the Baltic Sea.) Ukraine, along with Georgia, have expressed interest in joining both the EU and NATO, and even though NATO is not interested at all in military dominance or attacks, Russia still--in its Cold War, USSR mentality--perceives it as such. And like you said, Russia fears undue influence from a free and democratic Ukraine (and Georgia). It's being hemmed in by its old adversary and it is making an autocrat like Putin VERY uncomfortable. If Ukraine were to adopt a quasi-Finland-like status (no NATO membership and limited Eurozone privileges), it might keep Russia happy, but that's hard to say. Ukraine for a long time was called "the bread-basket of Russia/the USSR" because of its huge agricultural importance in providing Russia with wheat and foodstuffs. Russia doesn't want to lose that. The two countries' histories are inextricably linked, and it is logical Russia doesn't want to lose this vital part of its former empire. But Ukraine has embraced democracy and looked westward in a way that Russia did not, and that is proving to be a BIG sticking point. Putin has a lot at stake here, especially in the eyes of the Russian people. I still wonder how much of this military build-up is for show--elaborate and costly though it is--as a way to make a point with Russians. He also wants to show to the West that Russia is still an important force in the world. There are all kinds of things going on here!!
Bruce, thank you for your very thoughtful reply. I disagree with a few of your points.
"Russia, more than anything, does not want to directly border any country that is a member of NATO. Period." Putin certainly doesn't, but since, political dissent is a mortal risk in Russia, we don't really know what the Russian people honestly think about Ukraine and many other issues.
"And like you said, Russia fears undue influence from a free and democratic Ukraine..."
I said Putin fears an open and democratic Ukraine. I said in another post in the same thread that Putin and Russia are not interchangeable, though Putin may believe otherwise.
"Ukraine for a long time was called "the bread-basket of Russia/the USSR" because of its huge agricultural importance in providing Russia with wheat and foodstuffs. Russia doesn't want to lose that..." Putin doesn't want to lose control of that. The Russian people will have the same or maybe better access to Ukrainian grain under an open democratic Ukraine. They have to sell it to somebody.
This isn't about Russia, it's about Vladimir Putin, and his deep desire to re-establish the power of the former Soviet Union with him in control. Stalin is his hero and role model.
I think think you’re confusing today’s Russia with the USSR during the hight of the Cold War. Also, Ukraine as a member of NATO is not the same as Ukraine with a separate military relationship with the US.
An independent Ukraine is a threat to Putin, not to Russia. The two are not interchangeable, in spite of what Putin may think.
Biden is doing a great job drawing this country out of the abyss Trump dragged us into. And as. HCR so brilliantly points out (again!) he is leading us back to true prosperity by putting the people and the workers at the focus of his restoration politics. Onward!!!
Yet, as inflation continues to hurt American families and workers, Republicans boycotted a meeting of the Senate Banking and Housing Committee which was slated to vote on Biden’s nominee to the Fed. No vote could be taken because there was no quorum. Republicans demonstrating, once again, that they care not a whit for our country and it’s citizens, and do not intend to govern, only obstruct.
The repubs will never stop attempting to sabotage Biden and our democracy. We must persist. Thank you for the link. And at least some MSM cover this truth. Some.
"In all the chaos surrounding the former president, the actions today of the current president, Democrat Joe Biden, seem to be getting short shrift. This is unfortunate because they say a lot about his reorientation of the U.S. government.”
For this, I mostly blame the White House, leadership of the Democratic Party and all allies, for they apparently know nothing of the importance of framing. One of the key ingredients to frame issues is to always stay on the offensive with one's overarching frame. I don’t even seen a consistent frame from any Democratic Party leader! This is 1/2 heartbreaking and 1/2 agonizing to me.
This frame could be “Competency and compassion in leadership.” For example. Repeat again and again, and have every Democratic leader speak to competence. "Competency translates as maintaining steadfast attention and consistency to purpose, as in maintaining one’s vision on the end result,” Pres Biden could say. Have Senators repeat a similar refrain....
"Every successful person knows the value of steadfastness in their work and in relationships. Here, I remain steadfast to reach agreement with Mr Putin on what is best for Americans, and all Russians and people throughout the world. You can count on my steadfastness, to build a fresh, lasting relationship with Mr Putin.”
I would then expect Sen King to finally say something worthwhile, as simple as, “Jut like previous examples of airlifting safely more than 100,000 people out of Afghanistan and getting NATO to recently respond in unison, the President shows maturity and steadfastness ....”
In this case, compassion and competency along with related language must be a continuing thread SPOKEN BY LIBERALS AND ALLIES (were this the frame the Biden people and Dems wish to use) ..........
Is there anyone else on this board who understands the significance of framing, other than practically every conservative, and thankfully there are not many on this board ....
Very well stated, and absolutely true. Democrats and liberals are bad at messaging. We drone on too long when explaining what we did; we try to cram in too much nuance; we come up with incredibly damaging slogans like "Defund the police"; and we don't come up with bumper sticker slogans that grab people by the hair: "Fake News!" That slogan may be false, but it sold the Republican lie beautifully. And we never, ever attack Republicans as the lying cowards they are, in simple, brutal language.
I used to do that, and sent my suggestions to the Democratic National Committee. Not a peep in return. DNC appears committed to its strategy of over-talking and underselling everything, unfortunately. Maybe we should hire the nastiest and most effective GOP slogan writers and turn them loose for our side . . .
Keep trying…competence is what we need and what everyone understands. Good things are getting done and our gov is moving in the right direction again with real confidence.
I agree, Keith, that our government is doing great things again. The problem is that you can't just do great things, you have to be seen as doing great things. That's where Democrats have traditionally fallen down: on taking credit for the great things we do in easy-to-digest slogans and memes.
I am seeing a great improvement in the technical and logistical support the Democratic Party is giving our candidates in Michigan. "Dr.Bob" Lorinser, Medical Officer for the Marquette Health Department, is running against incumbent seditionist Republican congressman, Jack lived-in-Louisiana -all-his-life Bergman. Dr. Bob's website is dynamite. His stand on the issues clear. His events at local restaurants all over our sprawling region are well advertised and linked to Act Blue. Feedback is prompt. Dr. Bob's messages Liberty and Honesty.
Some time ago I wrote to my Portland newspaper, The Oregonian, and asked why there wasn’t more national news coverage. The answer was because it’s a local newspaper. Therefore, it seems the state of Oregon has to rely on TV and internet news! I also contacted Democrat national committee and told it I would no longer contribute until I saw some action. As William stated, “not a peep” was given.
The Oregonian used to be a flagship paper. It is now fishwrap paper. It is still better than what has become of the Eugene Register Guard (disguised Gatehouse publication). If we get 4 local stories it is a miracle, and many are written by the best photographer I know of.
Frederick has an excellent piece on "Democracy Capitalism" and framing the democratic party message that I think Heather's Herd may find really insightful
I will forward to you and Annette and Cathy for consideration. Thanks!
I am so underwhelmed by democratic lack of push back to republican idiocy that I cannot respond to their continuous request for money. I sincerely hope I will not regret this in the midterms or 2024. Donations to Georgia, Ohio and other races are compelling yet I feel dollars sent will be lost for nothing. Would donations to the DNC, Move On or Act Blue be more or less helpful? In 2020 the cause was obvious and I thought the dollars would be spent well.
I am so proud of President Biden. We’re so lucky to have him. 🌷🙏
Amen! I was just thinking yesterday that I am SO proud of his handling of the Ukraine/Russia crisis. This alone should raise his approval numbers big time!
…and his team!
And I wish he got more coverage of his accomplishments. On another note, “the Hillary Clinton-run DA’s office”???
Yeah, that one got me. I guess because he won the election of 2016, it is in his (their) little mind(s) that she is the best enemy to attack. That is all I can think of; what I see in my head regarding Clinton is her testimony countless times over many hours over Benghazi.
I think the rant tfg made shows he his mentally ill—he still is going after Hillary because he thinks it is still 2016. He has gone back in his mind to the time of his great defeat of her.
(and of course ignoring that he cheated by allowing Putin to interfere.)
He's trying to recreate the moment when every trick had worked - "Hey, I'm the President!"
I’ve thought for a long time that ultimately, Trump will get off on what has been done by his exploits by pleading insanity.
"Little minds"..for sure!
Right. And if you exhibit all nine and more, some will consider the person a sociopath.
WGAS... nice guys ( & Girls) finish last. But, the test remains.., to have done so without cheating, to graciously accept the trophy, and dispense with all that obnoxious behavior till the next time.
Bingo-9 out of 9.
Ahh yes.., and sans these 'attributes' coming onto the last lap at Riverside.., you are doomed.
How are we lucky, exactly? His predecessor, a mentally ill cultist with millions of followers, is still free to roam the land spreading a brain-infecting fungal disease that rots any mind it gets a hold on.
My President is a Super Hero!!
Here is a list of Joe Biden's accomplishments, all in his first year! And there are so many more!
• American Rescue Plan
• Infrastructure bill- bipartisan
• Strengthen NATO Alliance
• Gathered allies to challenge Putin's aggression
• Ended 10-year Afghan War
• Reduced troops in Iraq
• Negotiations that begin with sanctions, not soldiers
• Rejoined WHO and Paris Climate Accord
• Jobless rate reduced by 2%
• Increased American jobs by 6 million 2021
• 5.7% economic growth in 2021
• Appointed the most diverse, highly qualified cabinet in U.S. history
• Reduced child poverty by 40%
• increased by 4 million # of Americans with healthcare
• vaccinated 210 million Americans.
• Provides access to daily White House Press conferences, speeches, panels and CDC updates on national t.v. White house.gov/live -genuine transparency
• Established a minimum international tax to end foreign tax shelters
• Formed a committee to address supply chain issues
• Created policies to increase renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Recruited Federal and military assistance to aid hospitals overwhelmed with Covid cases
• Made masks and at home tests available to all Americans
• Worked directly with American mayors to put funding for local initiatives to immediate use.
• Engaged Defense Production Act to buy more vaccines, worked with states to establish vaccine sites and Transportation to them; established vaccine centers in pharmacies across the country.
• This week, the entire city of Newark announced the eradication of all lead pipes. Amazing testimonies from citizens about the efficient, cost-free process.
The Afghan invasion started in 2001. It lasted 20 years. Not 10. We promised to make it a democracy. As usual, we were fools.
And don't forget - he also reversed some of Trump's more-destructive environmental protection policies.
Great list, and that's great news about Newark--wow! But he only reduced child poverty by 40% for 6 months. The child tax credit went down with everything else in the BBB, though he did finally say, when it was too late, that he could see reforming the filibuster to get it through. By then Manchin had axed the tax credit: "too generous."
Thank you for that, MaryPat! It can’t be posted enough! I love POTUS, FLOTUS, and the entire team. President Uncle Joe Biden is really coming into his own!
How about efforts to obtain PPE for healthcare workers and improved access to Covid testing?
He is so presidential.
💙💙💙😊💙💙💙
And apparently it was well known that Putin considered Biden weak based on their dealings during the Obama administrations. Surprise surprise, Vlad!
Glad is disgusting—someone wondered if he’s married. I think he’s bored living in that palace and he has a stable of gorgeous women who make sure he’s happy—a la Epstein…
I read somewhere that Rupert’s ex was Vlad’s squeeze a while back. Talk about a back channel since Wendy and Ivanka were BFFs. Would love to know if it’s true.
Ur right. Remember the Belorussian call girl arrested in Thailand, who reached out to the FBI? She had video/audio of oligarch Deriposka discussing the 2016 interference on his yacht loaded with young Russian women and a few other oIigarghs.
Also, one Defected KGB/FDSB agent accused Putin of being a pedafile among other accusations. He ended up being poisoned with Plutonium by other active agents in London. But before he died he finished his writing his memoirs, including his investigation on who and how the Moscow apartment bombings were staged, that lead to the invasion and destruction of Chechnya.
We have a large Russian population who have settled in the Boston suburbs—almost every day I get emails from them telling me there are great picture of these women who will make me so happy—it’s very funny in a way — I’m 72 and happily married with no interest in this kind of thing—so I quickly click away and certainly haven’t bothered to check our the porn they’re desperate to send.
Yo.. Liz, hohohoh..., it's perfectly fine to be a "Blondie" fan. Go easy on that "Russian population"in Boston. That 'site' you're familiar with is probably streaming out of Numbnutz' scum-pit condos in Miami Beach USA..., errrr ahh owned by some seedy Russians laundering money.
Ya ya.., clearly those "Girls" were not in it for "fun". Bbbbb bboink!
Rubles not either— I bet they’ll take credit card pmts.
Actually, I feel Putin has what they call "short man syndrome". My father was a short man!
I know that “short man syndrome
“also refers to Napoleon. But I passed along “short” genes and am short. As a kid I was patted on the head and people called me Peanut while my twin brother grew to 6’2” and my parents were relieved it wasn’t the other way around. I hope someday we get past those stereotype/generalizations so people don’t grow into them.
You Know It....Liz. Girls! Round-the-world.... Girls. Yup.., they just wanna have fun :)... ask Blondie. Have to admit, I've always liked those kinds of girls. I actually live with one!
In fact Putin was pushing Bernie Sanders as a Presidential Candidate over Biden because Putin knew Biden would beat Trump. Since it is well known could you provide a citation or two to back up your assertion? Frankly, I doubt your assertion.
Doubt away. I heard the claim on NPR but can't find a link. But here's a Google page with links galore. https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=putin+thinks+biden+is+weak&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
I invite you to check the quotes and sources in these listings. Here is one. "Republican Senator John Kennedy says he believes Joe Biden was not assertive enough during his high-stakes phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin." And the Washington Times (another Google source) has this rating from the Media Bias Fact Check --"Reasoning: Numerous Failed Fact Checks, Poor Sourcing, Lack of Transparency
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER.
Just 'cause someone is sayin' it don't make it true.
For the record, I never said I thought Biden was weak — now or when he was VP. I was asked a question and tried to answer it without spending time I don't have to do a lot of research. If someone doesn't believe the report I heard on NPR, fine by me. I thought it was worth sharing. Also, because Putin believes something doesn't make it true. I'm sure he like many Russians believe U.S. leaders are weak. Why? Because U.S. leaders typically don't throw people out windows or poison them etc.
Well Sophia, since we have witnessed the prurient behavior of Numbnutz, they were probably concerned more about kidney cleanliness and who was in charge of the hotel mattress disposal crew.
Biden has the experience to know when it's appropriate to avoid free-association self-calming exercises and when to put away the trick squirt-gun lapel pin on very serious occasions. When Congress rewrites the Office of the President and installs anti-personnel mines between the lines to ward off interpreters face recognizable as Stephen Miller and Stevie Bannon, a sentence should be added to the oath of office that says the Oath Taker swears he or she has read and been tested on the job description. Some added assurance of threshold intelligence comes for free hereby from the demonstrative proof that the new leader-in-waiting can actually read.
Yes! A test. At least. Can’t believe that most serious jobs have serious prerequisites and qualifications. That’s missing and a glaring mistake to suggest that age and birthplace are enough to put in a bid for one of the most powerful and serious leadership positions in the world. Seriously.
Yes!
I think a simple psychiatric screening like the ones required to enter the military would suffice, don't you?
Yes, I think that psychological testing would be a good idea, but I also think there should be educational and related experience as part of the application process. President of a country: our lives are in their hands. Most positions of such responsibility need a person who can analyze, be connected to the needs of all citizens. Balance a budget, relate to others, keep us safe, and much much more. It’s not(but maybe it is: tfg) a role for a play.
it would be telling enough if he was asked to sit for an interview without the hair. It's his whole personality. Are you too wondering why the public never saw him intubated in the Covid bed at Walter Reed? When you've been exposed to "the look", you've seen the only thing that matters chez Trump, and there is nothing else to see. His hairdresser confessed she/he was the only one who knew for sure, but she's DACA and has to be careful what she says.
Thank you, Spooky Singer. Apropos of your comment, I’d like to urge all readers to watch this play about Sandy Hook families. The play is put on by high school theater groups. The title is 26 Pebbles and the play is on YouTube. Captions are available. https://youtu.be/DCaPMTs5wCc. Toni A.
"Capitalism without competition is exploitation." - Pres. Joe Biden
For an American president in 2022 to associate 'capitalism' and 'exploitation', even at the distance of a qualifier, is remarkable. The Biden administration is redefining the dangers of monopolies in a way which further repudiates the Chicago school of economics' creed of 'greed is good.'
Businesses are responsible for more than profit making. Who knew? The Sandy Hook victims have proven that in court. For the victims of gun violence to win a case against a gun manufacturer, is I think unprecedented.
There is hope. And a lot of hard work ahead.
Thanks lin, my thoughts precisely. Particularly the repudiation of the abhorrent Chicago School of Economics. And now for more exposure of the Harvard Business School and their perversion of business in society.
With regard to the Chicago School and the dread Milton, read "Shock Doctrine" by Naomi Klein. It's a quite devastating expose of the incredible and far-reaching influence of the Chicago School - and their direct involvement in US activities such as the overthrow of Allende in Chile. "Never let a good catastrophe go to waste".
Here's an interesting viewpoint - https://www.counterpunch.org/2022/02/11/the-political-theology-of-neoliberalism/
Very interesting read! In a way Amazon is the confirmation of Margaret Thatcher: "there is no state, there is only individuals". If you control the selling, you control the production and everyone in between, that costs, and you can sell cheaper as long as consumers are individuals. IKEA was founded on the same principle, and also the 18th century capitalist that founded Swedish iron industry.
Putin embraced the orthodox church with control and success. China had the one-child policy to get rid of cousins, that might be start of clans, so there is nothing out of control between the state and the individual.
For the layperson like myself, the use of the root word liberal is in reference to relaxed or minimal regulations on the so called free market! I was confused since liberal is usually associated with a very different meaning!
I was uncertain myself about its meaning. Both definitions, below, seem to be leaning toward Libertarianism.
"neoliberalism (ˌniːəʊˈlɪbərəˌlɪzəm; -ˈlɪbrəˌlɪzəm) n
1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a modern politico-economic theory favouring free trade, privatization, minimal government intervention in business, reduced public expenditure on social services, etc
2. (Economics) a modern politico-economic theory favouring free trade, privatization, minimal government intervention in business, reduced public expenditure on social services, etc
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/neoliberalism
This is an interesting article on the relations or similarities between neoliberalism and religion. On the other hand, the Wikipedia page on the publication Counterpunch raises a few red flags. (Not that Wikipedia is the end-all and be-all of sources.) My conclusion is that you have to judge each article individually and keep your antennae in order.
I like MediaBias/FactCheck to get a sense of the orientation of a publication or website. According to MB/FC, Counterpunch is rated as Far (but not Extreme) Left, "Mostly Factual" and "Analysis / Bias
In review, CounterPunch presents news and opinions with a strong progressive left bias in story selection. Most stories favor the left and use loaded language such as these: The Blob Fought the Squad, and the Squad Won and The Immoral Silence to the Destructive Xenophobia of “Just Leave.” This latter piece does not indicate an opinion article and provides zero hyperlinked sources to vet those opinions. CounterPunch also regularly praises and highlights Julian Assange of Wikileaks, who outright lied and created the Seth Rich conspiracy theory. CounterPunch favors Democratic Socialism such as Bernie Sanders, Anti-Imperialism, and Venezuela when it comes to politics. The general editorial position of CounterPunch is Left." In the end, as you write, one has "to judge each article individually and keep your antennae in order."
Some of the links in the Wikipedia article on Counterpunch, for example, https://www.algemeiner.com/2012/07/25/guardian-praises-anti-semitic-site-counterpunch-as-progressive/, which raises even more questions. You can follow this thread forever. It's very disturbing.
I read the article without vetting the source, but am fairly well versed (no pun intended) in far-right religious shenanigans. While I wouldn’t follow them, I did find this particular article interesting due to the quite obvious (and discussed ad nauseam in many venues) connection to Calvin, the rise of capitalism during the Reformation, Puritans and the American “work ethic”.
True! I think of it as a viewpoint connecting some dots, now that we have experience and outcomes; the whole subject is hardly open to facts / non facts, but as such I still find it interesting. When do we at all know when we are motivated by ideology, religion, fear, superstition, habit...?
Thank you, Hugh. Between Heather’s daily lessons and contributions and sources like this article on Neoliberalism, I’m in school every day. All day.
Turned my head around. Excellent book. When 9/11 happened, and I was living jut 12 blocks north of the WTC, I felt like I was waking from a Rip van Winkle toe sleep. I started reading and Naomi Klein was one of the first books I picked up. What I read and understood about” disaster capitalism” was about to happen in Lower Manhattan.
"Never let a good catastrophe go to waste".
In the case of Chile and the Chicago School, I believe Nixon and Kissinger planned all phases of it. First, corrupt the traditionally apolitical Chilean military. Second, have the corrupted military force under Gen. Pinochet commence a period of blitzkrieg in detaining Chilean citizens en masse; then, torturing and murdering the detainees as well as making them disappear. Finally, bringing in Milton Friedman and "the Chicago boys" to design and implement the economic system which Pres. Nixon and SoS Kissinger wanted in place. All done as a "simple" 1-2-3.
Tragically, the gun-war industries control the federal budget! Since little bush let the assault ban law lapse, no other POTUS has had the courage to take on that issue! Federal $$$$ for various ‘security’ agencies is well over a trillion $$$$$, yet school children are still being slaughtered by unchecked weapon sales!
Solution:
Simple...
VOTE OUT REPUBLICANS...
VOTE JUDICIOUSLY!
Some became twisted by their imagined perversions of persecution infecting their soul’s conformation into a likeness of a god that could only exist in their world of self-deception.
Greed mongers with all sycophants, (complicit in their cunning silent ebullience), are always ground down into the dust’s choking suffocation of astonishment, not by the One GOD they never knew, (for HE is only Love), but by HIS faith imbued disciples in a Love that is beyond our capacity to every fully comprehend.
Love ALWAYS trumps hate!
ALWAYS!!!
VOTE INTELLIGENTLY, Please.
We have too many that don't vote intelligently. Many people are not intelligent, or we would not be where we are today.
It is work...requires time to research and compare...listen to your heart...do not vote blind this time! Improving our American democracy is worth the effort!!!
I wish they would!
Democracy must guide capitalism or they are both lost. Biden has the experience and guts to enforce that.
Regarding democracy and capitalism. You have said it perfectly. Exactly.
Biden does not have the power to enforce that, but he does have the experience, guts, concern, and political savvy to nominate people who can institute and enforce that structural change to the degree that the Executive Branch is allowed by law.
YES!!
Thanks yet again, lin!
“The U.S., NATO, and Ukraine are not a threat to Russia, [Biden] said, and we have no beef with Russian citizens.”
An open, democratic Ukraine is no threat to Russia. An open, democratic Ukraine is a threat to Vladimir Putin, because it might well lead to an open, democratic Russia.
Letters from Ukraine
https://pen.org/letters-from-ukraine/
Thank you for the link.
From what I read, an open, free Ukraine, apart from Uncle Putin’s kind guidance, is the goal.
💔
This....."An open, democratic Ukraine is a threat to Vladimir Putin, because it might well lead to an open, democratic Russia."
I forget where I saw it, but there was an article on what is called "Finlandiszation", and it was proposed as something that Ukraine could consider. Finland is a member of the EU and they have embraced the Euro, but they are not a member of NATO (neither is Sweden). At one time, until just after WW I, Finland was a part of Russia. The article discussed how the Finns themselves prefer not to talk about this "Finlandization" because it can be perceived as a sign of weakness. In a sense, they seemingly appeased Russia by keeping them at bay by not making what could be seen as a direct threat by joining NATO. It is thought the Finns, in a way, were showing respect for their history with Russia by not antagonizing it. Russia, more than anything, does not want to directly border any country that is a member of NATO. Period. The Baltics (Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia) are full-fledged NATO members, and have in essence, defied Russia's wishes. (However, apart of what possibly appeases Russia in this is that the Baltics are basically surrounded by Russia and don't border any other NATO country, save for a small border shared between NATO members Poland and Lithuania, and their western borders are the Baltic Sea.) Ukraine, along with Georgia, have expressed interest in joining both the EU and NATO, and even though NATO is not interested at all in military dominance or attacks, Russia still--in its Cold War, USSR mentality--perceives it as such. And like you said, Russia fears undue influence from a free and democratic Ukraine (and Georgia). It's being hemmed in by its old adversary and it is making an autocrat like Putin VERY uncomfortable. If Ukraine were to adopt a quasi-Finland-like status (no NATO membership and limited Eurozone privileges), it might keep Russia happy, but that's hard to say. Ukraine for a long time was called "the bread-basket of Russia/the USSR" because of its huge agricultural importance in providing Russia with wheat and foodstuffs. Russia doesn't want to lose that. The two countries' histories are inextricably linked, and it is logical Russia doesn't want to lose this vital part of its former empire. But Ukraine has embraced democracy and looked westward in a way that Russia did not, and that is proving to be a BIG sticking point. Putin has a lot at stake here, especially in the eyes of the Russian people. I still wonder how much of this military build-up is for show--elaborate and costly though it is--as a way to make a point with Russians. He also wants to show to the West that Russia is still an important force in the world. There are all kinds of things going on here!!
Bruce, thank you for your very thoughtful reply. I disagree with a few of your points.
"Russia, more than anything, does not want to directly border any country that is a member of NATO. Period." Putin certainly doesn't, but since, political dissent is a mortal risk in Russia, we don't really know what the Russian people honestly think about Ukraine and many other issues.
"And like you said, Russia fears undue influence from a free and democratic Ukraine..."
I said Putin fears an open and democratic Ukraine. I said in another post in the same thread that Putin and Russia are not interchangeable, though Putin may believe otherwise.
"Ukraine for a long time was called "the bread-basket of Russia/the USSR" because of its huge agricultural importance in providing Russia with wheat and foodstuffs. Russia doesn't want to lose that..." Putin doesn't want to lose control of that. The Russian people will have the same or maybe better access to Ukrainian grain under an open democratic Ukraine. They have to sell it to somebody.
This isn't about Russia, it's about Vladimir Putin, and his deep desire to re-establish the power of the former Soviet Union with him in control. Stalin is his hero and role model.
Plus, IMO, Putin’s goal in to rebuild/reunite the countries of the former USSR.
To be fair guys, it's not hard to imagine Russia seeing a US-allied Ukraine as a threat. How has the US reacted to Russian allies in our sphere?
I think think you’re confusing today’s Russia with the USSR during the hight of the Cold War. Also, Ukraine as a member of NATO is not the same as Ukraine with a separate military relationship with the US.
An independent Ukraine is a threat to Putin, not to Russia. The two are not interchangeable, in spite of what Putin may think.
Did yoi read this, Dave - from people who live there and know the inside story ...:
Letters from Ukraine
https://pen.org/letters-from-ukraine/
Precisely.
Biden is doing a great job drawing this country out of the abyss Trump dragged us into. And as. HCR so brilliantly points out (again!) he is leading us back to true prosperity by putting the people and the workers at the focus of his restoration politics. Onward!!!
Yet, as inflation continues to hurt American families and workers, Republicans boycotted a meeting of the Senate Banking and Housing Committee which was slated to vote on Biden’s nominee to the Fed. No vote could be taken because there was no quorum. Republicans demonstrating, once again, that they care not a whit for our country and it’s citizens, and do not intend to govern, only obstruct.
https://rollcall.com/2022/02/15/senate-banking-republicans-to-skip-vote-on-fed-nominees-to-protest-raskin/
The repubs will never stop attempting to sabotage Biden and our democracy. We must persist. Thank you for the link. And at least some MSM cover this truth. Some.
😡
"In all the chaos surrounding the former president, the actions today of the current president, Democrat Joe Biden, seem to be getting short shrift. This is unfortunate because they say a lot about his reorientation of the U.S. government.”
For this, I mostly blame the White House, leadership of the Democratic Party and all allies, for they apparently know nothing of the importance of framing. One of the key ingredients to frame issues is to always stay on the offensive with one's overarching frame. I don’t even seen a consistent frame from any Democratic Party leader! This is 1/2 heartbreaking and 1/2 agonizing to me.
This frame could be “Competency and compassion in leadership.” For example. Repeat again and again, and have every Democratic leader speak to competence. "Competency translates as maintaining steadfast attention and consistency to purpose, as in maintaining one’s vision on the end result,” Pres Biden could say. Have Senators repeat a similar refrain....
"Every successful person knows the value of steadfastness in their work and in relationships. Here, I remain steadfast to reach agreement with Mr Putin on what is best for Americans, and all Russians and people throughout the world. You can count on my steadfastness, to build a fresh, lasting relationship with Mr Putin.”
I would then expect Sen King to finally say something worthwhile, as simple as, “Jut like previous examples of airlifting safely more than 100,000 people out of Afghanistan and getting NATO to recently respond in unison, the President shows maturity and steadfastness ....”
In this case, compassion and competency along with related language must be a continuing thread SPOKEN BY LIBERALS AND ALLIES (were this the frame the Biden people and Dems wish to use) ..........
Is there anyone else on this board who understands the significance of framing, other than practically every conservative, and thankfully there are not many on this board ....
Very well stated, and absolutely true. Democrats and liberals are bad at messaging. We drone on too long when explaining what we did; we try to cram in too much nuance; we come up with incredibly damaging slogans like "Defund the police"; and we don't come up with bumper sticker slogans that grab people by the hair: "Fake News!" That slogan may be false, but it sold the Republican lie beautifully. And we never, ever attack Republicans as the lying cowards they are, in simple, brutal language.
How about applying your talents with some constructive suggestions?
I used to do that, and sent my suggestions to the Democratic National Committee. Not a peep in return. DNC appears committed to its strategy of over-talking and underselling everything, unfortunately. Maybe we should hire the nastiest and most effective GOP slogan writers and turn them loose for our side . . .
Rick Wilson of The Lincoln Project
Keep trying…competence is what we need and what everyone understands. Good things are getting done and our gov is moving in the right direction again with real confidence.
I agree, Keith, that our government is doing great things again. The problem is that you can't just do great things, you have to be seen as doing great things. That's where Democrats have traditionally fallen down: on taking credit for the great things we do in easy-to-digest slogans and memes.
I used to believe actions speak louder than words. Not so much in today's world.
I am seeing a great improvement in the technical and logistical support the Democratic Party is giving our candidates in Michigan. "Dr.Bob" Lorinser, Medical Officer for the Marquette Health Department, is running against incumbent seditionist Republican congressman, Jack lived-in-Louisiana -all-his-life Bergman. Dr. Bob's website is dynamite. His stand on the issues clear. His events at local restaurants all over our sprawling region are well advertised and linked to Act Blue. Feedback is prompt. Dr. Bob's messages Liberty and Honesty.
https://www.votedrbob.com/
Outstanding news! Now that's a savvy candidate who knows how to get things done in a 24/7/365 media environment.
In addition to working as a family physician fir 20 years, he served 10 years in the I.S. Diplomatic Corps in Iraq, Afghanistan and many more!
Thanks for the update, MaryPat. Dr. Bob rocks:)
We WILL get him elected!!
So excited!! We CAN get him elected!
William, So, so many of my letters/suggestions go unanswered.I’ll keep writing though…
Some time ago I wrote to my Portland newspaper, The Oregonian, and asked why there wasn’t more national news coverage. The answer was because it’s a local newspaper. Therefore, it seems the state of Oregon has to rely on TV and internet news! I also contacted Democrat national committee and told it I would no longer contribute until I saw some action. As William stated, “not a peep” was given.
The Oregonian used to be a flagship paper. It is now fishwrap paper. It is still better than what has become of the Eugene Register Guard (disguised Gatehouse publication). If we get 4 local stories it is a miracle, and many are written by the best photographer I know of.
Frankly, I am sick of the DNC. They pander to big business as much as the RNC but with less chutzpah. Money - too much of it - perverts.
Frederick has an excellent piece on "Democracy Capitalism" and framing the democratic party message that I think Heather's Herd may find really insightful
I will forward to you and Annette and Cathy for consideration. Thanks!
Frederick, you know that a lot of folks on this board understand framing. We can pressure the top--pass it on to DNC Chair Jaime Harrison:
@harrisonjaime
However, we seem to be not the only people underwhelmed with Harrison's performance:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/dnc-chair-jaime-harrison-has-considered-early-exit-amid-white-n1288208
In the meantime, we can still take up oxygen by amplifying the benefits created by the Democrats and the Biden administration.
I am so underwhelmed by democratic lack of push back to republican idiocy that I cannot respond to their continuous request for money. I sincerely hope I will not regret this in the midterms or 2024. Donations to Georgia, Ohio and other races are compelling yet I feel dollars sent will be lost for nothing. Would donations to the DNC, Move On or Act Blue be more or less helpful? In 2020 the cause was obvious and I thought the dollars would be spent well.
I'm sending money to specific candidates; Val Demings among them.
Yup. Though occasionally Emily’s List. The alphabet soup of solicitations I receive is maddening.