Putin isn’t worried about the world’s opinions. He’s time traveling back to the time of the czars, when young men were conscripted for long durations. Jews for 25 years. Sometimes a lifetime. My grandparents, Jews, fled Russia/Ukraine and Lithuania in 1909. The men would have to serve unless they were lame. My grandfather was missing a digit. Self inflicted and common way to avoid service. Can’t pull the trigger if…And the story doesn’t stop in that century. Putin’s antisemitism is well known. And continues to fuel his relentless destruction of the Ukrainian people and the country. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/vladimir-putin-ukraine-attack-antisemitism-denazify
Now he is on a path to destroy his own young people. Especially ethnic minorities. One million soldiers? Could that be a typo? Just to destroy Ukraine. And like Hitler, he has not been stopped by his own people. Yet.
I'm becoming more convinced about my suspicion about Russian empire policies: conscription of men from minorities, and sending them into wars in ways as to get rid of as many as possible. Few men left to rebel for their region against Moscow, and boasting afterwards of "Russian" sacrifices to save the mother country. Prisoners are of course also dispensable in this obscene way of thinking.
Meaning, minorities are substantially over-represented in the military right here in the good ole USA.
Now, we don't show up at their doors, shoot their mother, and take them away at gunpoint here (not recently anyway). Not at all.
We deny minorities good education, good jobs, good housing, and any real economic future leaving them with so few options that the military is the only option.
Going to get shot up in a war for profit like Iraq, which, has no other meaning than Haliburton profit, starts to look good. Even though they get paid with dirt.
So, minorities sign up. And they go get shot up. Then, they come back to horrific medical care and even tougher lives than they had before they left.
Everyone does it (Except Nazi Germany which did NOT take minorities into the military).
To be fair, bad education also, practically, forces many poor white people into the Armed Forces too. Being old enough to remember most of the Vietnam conflict and the protests around it I believe that cuts to education started as it was recognized that it is much harder to get an educated population to fight in a war,.
This use of the word “many” is one of Trump’s favorite ruses. A hundred is many but is a tiny fraction of the population. The point is that a far greater percentage of black Americans than white Americans are denied access to good education, which makes enlisting in the military an attractive employment opportunity for a much higher percentage of black Americans than white Americans, hence the disparity in the racial makeup of the armed forces. There is nothing “fair” in your comment offering “fairness” to white Americans. The system is grossly unfair to black Americans and other Americans with nonEuropean ancestors. Yes, it may also be unfair to some white Americans but not many, percentage-wise.
I did not mean to imply that the system is not stacked against black Americans, it most certainly is.
Quick Google search:
there are 24.62 million (2020) poor white Americans and In 2020
the Black or African American alone population (41.1 million) accounted for 12.4% of all people living in the United States and of this group Blacks had the highest poverty rate (19.5 percent).
My point was that if you keep a large percentage of the population poorly educated then you have easy access to cheap labor and solders.
I think we’re on the same page and certainly agree that poorly educated people are fodder for organizations offering bad jobs. My objection is that when you say “To be fair, bad education also, practically, forces many poor white people into the Armed Forces too”, you give the impression that poor white people face about the same disadvantage in opportunity as poor black people, which (I think we agree) is false.
George, thank you! This is another Dylan lesson of truth. The comments are legend, what would Jesus say about war. We could teach history through the tears and truth of folk songs. But we don’t seem to learn.
"Also harder to get a well educated public to support Republicans."
This truly must be the all time greatest example of an oxymoron definition in the entire universe's history of the English Language's incongruousnesses!
Yes John - I agree here in Florida where I lived in the 1960's-70s many of the first to go to Vietnam were the high school dropouts -- the dropout rate here in Florida then was probably almost 50% in some areas. My 18 year old boyfriend who had dropped out after jr high - joined the marines and did two tours in Vietnam - wrote about how scared everyone was all day long. Sad letters to read indeed.
Mike your comment : "We deny minorities good education, good jobs, good housing, and any real economic future leaving them with so few options that the military is the only option." This is the basis for discontent in the United States. When crime and breakdown of society was confined to certain neighborhoods of large cities it was not addressed. Send men to the moon and yet we cannot provide for those held back from participating meaningfully. That is wrong and we are paying for it now. The Biden administration is on the right path and I hope dems do not let down if we crush the midterms and after 2024.
Yes, Whitey On The Moon. I just finished the book 1619, which every American should read. Oh. Wait. They'll be burning that one in TX and FL any day now.
Yes, Margaret, “1619” is a must read and is one of the most feared books for the book banning crowd. It’s a CRT example of “making my children feel bad about themselves.” The Truth is dangerous to fascism and control.
Or look at it this way: the military is the most truly meritocratic institution in America. A Black or Hispanic person can build a career with less impediment from prejudice than pretty much anywhere else in our society. They can have security, healthcare and, after 20 years or more, a good, steady pension. And the prestige that comes from being part of a respected institution. That’s a big part of why so many members of ethnic minorities join, and stay in the military.
Despite the Democratic Party being a haven for the likes of George Wallace until the Civil Rights Acts, Harry Truman ordered desegregation of the military, a major step in federal government retreat from enabling statutory racism.
If Putin can gather that many, how fast can he train them? Ukrainian Forces will do what they have been doing. They will fight them, destroying them with our advanced weaponry, and they will kill them too. Russia will loose a generation of 18-25 year old boys and young men. All because of one old man clinging to power.
Must be because there are not enough of them? ( a persistent problem in authoritarian regimes....low birth rate, high alcoholism, lack of opportunity to participate fully in the economy.) Putin must go.
Dark to be sure. But I see where you are coming from. We think we are disconnected from each other and our environment but that of course is hubris. I too have thought perhaps the earth is trying to right itself. When I was born in 1951 there were 2.5 billion people on the earth. Now I think it is around 8 billion. The number of cars alone is a clue we are foolish. Putin of course thinks he is a special human but maybe he is a pawn of the earth’s objective to get healthy.
The groups of humans caught up in Genocide wouldn’t agree with that reasoning. Our continent was inhabited before white men showed up to replace them. And essentially to annihilate them.
"My grandfather was missing a digit. Self inflicted and common way to avoid service. Can’t pull the trigger if…And the story doesn’t stop in that century. Putin’s antisemitism is well known."
Irenie, a tough story to be sure. And tough lives in Russia (and some other places) for Jewish folks. I would say "I'm so sorrry", which, honestly, I am, but, it won't help.
I have been wondering, over and over, why anyone cares what anyone else "believes" or what their religion is?
After all, the only determining factor in what religion one "is", is one's mother. Yes, religion is a pure accident of birth..
...your mother determines your religion (and mine). I call it the good son (or daughter) outcome.
I have taken (quite a bit of data on this) since graduate school when I first enocountered many different religions.
My friends who are atheists, yep, their Mom's were atheist. This is key data because Atheists often like to think of themselves as having invented themselves but? No, their Mom's were atheist too. Atheists? Nope, nothing special, just good sons, one and all.
My friends who are Muslim, yep, the Mom's were too.
Same with every person I know. Not a single exception. Not one.
So? If the only reason somene is X religion is because of an accident of who your mother is?
Well, why would anyone get too excited about what religion anyone is?
It is just not a big deal and is just pure, unadulterated, random chance (who your mother is and what religion you are).
There are so many religions on earth in so many places. Goodness. Who cares?
For that reason (the use of religion by those in power to control the working classes), Marx called religion the opium of the masses. I often think of this quote when current politicians use Christianity to rile up their (“opiated”?) followers.
I think that meth is a more addictive drug (brain chemistry wise) than opioids and certainly explains their fervor. I think you're onto something here, however.
My grandfather had his own church group. His advice was “we do not talk religion or politics”. He owned the Yellowstone Bar and cafe in Terry, Montana. On payday all the common cowhands brought their 30 to 50 dollar monthly wages to his church. He also was partners with Roy Rogers in a bar in Miles city. That was where the better paid cowhands went to worship on payday. His religious fervor required only monthly devotion, on payday. First on his agenda was drinks on the house. Next the poker tables in back. Best of all was the visit to the angels upstairs. There was a lean-to by the privy for overnighters. You gave him your paycheck upon entering the Yellowstone and after performing all the stations of the bar you received a steak dinner and 15 dollars cash back to make it until next payday. His worshippers were faithful.
Oh MY, Pat! Quite a story about an enterprising grandfather! I wonder though, if the “girls upstairs” got paid real money. Sorry, again it just struck me about women being subservient to men...
Religion was created by man. Whatever great spirit there may be would not approve of the white nationalist Christian movement in this country. Would not approve of the intolerance and hate or the persecution of others for not being cut from the same cloth. When corporations were allowed to design their health benefits around their religious beliefs that was the beginning of the end IMHO. It was the loss of personal choice. Because the choice exists does not mean one has to make that choice on a personal level. However the choice has been made for you already. I don’t get why anyone’s religious beliefs should matter or should be forced upon others. Offering birth control health coverage comes to mind…half of our population are women. Does viagra get covered?
Friends, we probably agree that religion is complicated and controversial and can be an emotional topic. This NYT “THE Daily” Podcast tells the story of an evangelical pastor’s journey affected and changed by politics in America. It connects to our interest, worries and concerns about the influence of religion on today’s elections and the sociopolitical climate in USA. Google just in case my link is wonky. “The Pastors Being Driven Out by Trumpism
Why some evangelical pastors in the U.S. are quitting in large numbers.”
"...an evangelical pastor’s journey affected and changed by politics in America..."
The evangelical's seek to force their doctrine upon others to control their choices thereby limiting their freedom. They seek to deceive others into a subservience controlled by those in the power seat of the evangelical cult...it is no longer a religion...these pastors who once were respected as teachers/theologians have become insignificant in promoting the, "Cause!"
Thanks for your comments. Rest assured I am not deceived by any of this evilness. Not for a minute. Not for a second. I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as devil worship, but I do think it is driven by several of the seven deadly sins. I don’t mean that in a religious sense but in a just old plain COMMONSENSE way.
Deadly hubris. Malignant narcissism. How could "God on our side" not be narcissism? Which expressions of religion honor humility and which self-supremacy? Which counsel kindness and which hate?
Christine, there is an even more insidious movement I've learned about recently, the New Apostolic Reformation, NAR, especially strong in South America. Most people are not aware of this although it provides the "theology" for the white Christian Nationalist movements around the world. "A new charismatic Christian movement that seeks to take dominion over politics, business and culture in preparation for the end times and ..." National Catholic Report.
The book that should have been recommended is the Book of Love...The Holy Bible.
In it is ALL the answers, ALL that is necessary in preparation for the end times, ALL that is required for today and every day thereafter, and even longer than that!
Hi George. As you probably have surmised, the book I mentioned explains exactly the philosophy/theology the group holds and EXACTLY why it's unscriptural. The "Good Book" doesn't do this, of course. Those in the pulpits (or anyone) can use this book to explain and refute the errors of NAR under its so-called banner of (Christian) Reformation.
BTW, I love the scriptures, too, but they have to be read with an understanding of the times and audiences they were directed at as well as with an understanding of the various literary styles of the passages. They're not always to be taken literally.
My daughter calls me cultural christian. My parents were religious, I wasn’t quite so much as they were. My kids are atheists. More so because of their father’s beliefs. There are variables in that equation. Even in our nationalism wave in Texas, church attendance is actually way down.
Faith is real and it is personal. It will reveal its reality in action. Institutions of all types have done a lot of damage by being more interested in money and power and attempting to build a kingdom of some type on earth. I will leave it there.....
I'm sorry Emily. Those of us who have watched the political and religious dynamic (over too many decades) have been seriously jaded. There have been too many religious leaders who have usurped blind faith as a convenient tool with which to achieve political power and access. However, I deleted my own personal rant out of respect to those I have known those who practice a loving and private relationship with their faith and are not inclined to be judgmental about diversity or "otherness". Nevertheless, I still find it hard to accept that well intentioned people of faith have not been more vocal about the insidious cross contamination of said politics and religion within their own communities of worship. I come from a time when an Irish Catholic could not hope to achieve the Presidency due to stoked fears about the country ending up under the power and influence of Rome and the Holy See. Seems almost a quaint idea given today's political theater. Such a candidate had to walk a clear and definite line separating Church and State. We appear to have come full circle, but the result is surely not an improvement. Indeed, the employment of religion as a backdrop to political organization is a serious contamination that sours all thought about religion. Jesus needs to clear out the Temple again. "My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Deleted as the section that seemed to be missing in my previous comment, magically appeared in said previous comment, once I posted it here. Go figger.....
Religion, Faith, worship are being used as synonyms in a most cavalier persuasion...a furtiveness to deceive the actual target of conversation, e.g. Christianity.
Christianity is only about love, nothing else but love, love for each other, love of another as much as oneself.
Christianity is NOT seeking political domination over any other "Rival."
Christianity is only about uniting all in a love that every one was born into, not divisiveness, not war.
About your final assertion:
Indeed, cleaning house is a continuous demand.
However the one(s) responsible for the degradation of the house must be held accountable for their actions.
The offenders must be held accountable and suffer the consequences of their actions.
We have laws and law enforcement, and judicial system, and prison systems to prevent further degradations.
A Christian would not degrade The House purchased by the blood of a LOVE we cannot fully comprehend,
You do not need to be sorry regarding your perception of faith…those who manipulate trusting and well intended people are abundant in every country, state, town and home. From time to time we all put our love and faith and understanding of right and wrong in the wrong places and on the wrong people. We don’t have to stay in that place: mentally, emotionally even intellectually. K. Barnes, we can grow in wisdom, understanding, awareness, truth…this is where the living Spirit comes in. God does not pour us into a mold…we pour ourselves into self made molds…and we can choose to escape from those molds…and we can choose to grow or not. We can choose “a house of prayer and we can pray first of all that we will not be “a den of thieves” and if we really want to be bold, we can pray for the den of thieves that their mind and heart will be opened…that they will see they are being deceived but each one must decide.
The vocabulary may change but the lack of choice for a child is part of when early indoctrination or “brainwashing” works. Religious schools now funded by some governments and the Supreme Court support what once was thought of as personal or private. But maybe that’s also fiction. Religion was part of the original reason for escaping Europe, England and settling here. And then there were the witch trials. The more we look back and learn about our nation’s founding, the more we learn that we haven’t been taught the truth. And that’s one of the fears of CRT, Critical Race Theory. Telling the truth about this country.
The freedom to practice one’s religious beliefs…not to be persecuted for them. Not everyone who came here practiced the same variety of religion…so why is it so many in the GOP think we need to be a country with a national religion? Many of them can only talk the talk…they certainly don’t walk the talk. Hypocrisy!
Speaking as a Christian here...I also believe that in this country there has to be "freedom FROM religion" for those that desire it. No one should ever be persecuted or ostracized because they don't believe. Faith comes down to choice--wow, funny how, once again, "choice" can threaten so many people, idnit? But, practising one's faith should NEVER come at the expense of someone else's beliefs and that's so often the sticking point. Some religions, or branches of them, seem to want everyone to conform and believe like their cult does. No dissent allowed. THEY have the "one truth", whatever the f*** that is. I've always called it spiritual authoritarianism. It has been the scourge of humanity for as long as we've been a species. Maybe one day everybody will be able to get along, but cooperation and live-and-let-live just doesn't seem to be in some people's DNA, so we'll always be fighting it.
I couldn’t agree more! I have always felt that this country should be run free from religion, that way people have the freedom to practice their own beliefs. (Just so long it doesn’t include human sacrifices or burning witches at the stake!) I certainly object to my tax dollars supporting religious schools!
George, thank you for this excellent article and description of CRT. It’s from 2021 and is a clear explanation of CRT and the politicization of education. I’m not so sure we’re really free to choose. Many schools in red states have banned 1619 project and the CRT curriculum since 2021. At the least we are becoming educated on what’s happening in our country and the division in education and cultural norms.
Agree! People in those, pardon my expression, children in those shithole states are not free, by any means. They are being highly manipulated and deceived. We were too, growing up. What teacher or professor told us white folks the truth about slavery in the US? That’s right, NONE! I am surprised that my educators in Lenoir, NC taught us about the Holocaust and that was in the very early 60’s.
Beth, “And like you said, why the hell does it matter what I believe,” it matters when it’s a way to divide and conquer. And to brainwash and teach and continue the same divisive and murderous conditions to form a cultural or sociopolitical movement. To control. Even better when Starts early.
I had an identical experience only at the age of fourteen, not eight, and my parents were both believers, although the Christian-lite version as Congregationalists. My dad offered to take me to any church I wanted to experience and at the end of my tour, I realized none of them had enough to offer to warrant my commitment to an ideology which required suspending belief in reality.
My parents were Catholic. My grandfather was the church sexton for the parish for many years. I've moved away from organized religion...as have most of my children. I prefer Vonnegut's "First Church of God the Utterly Indifferent" if I had to choose...
Mike S, Yes religion is an accident of birth. And an “easy” way to divide and conquer.” Skin color, too, but no hiding. Every difference is a way for madmen to divide and conquer. Worldwide. It’s history. Something about Humanity? Or about Nature?
If you, like so many others, might be confusing religion with Christianity then choosing CHRIST as SAVIOR and only ADVOCATE is not an accident.
An accident is what happens when one is deceived into assuming one's birth is an accident instead of the astonishing miracle it is.
We ALL begin life in love.
We are given the power to choose between that same love that gave us life or we become first distracted by life's temptations and then deceived into finally becoming scattered as the proud in the imagination of our hearts.
This is arrogance and it is the accident that kills.
George E Dobbs Please stop shouting. It makes you sound dogmatic, not thoughtful or constructive. It seems that most here has a nuanced and intelligent view of religion. There are pluses and minuses to organized religion. What is wonderful about our founders (who I believe were Deists) is they sought to create a country with freedom to worship or not, as we saw fit (with certain limitations of course.)
George, perhaps the interpretation of “accident” is up for debate. Or interpretation. Do we choose our birth, our parents, the values and religion we are taught through childhood and direct teaching? That also is interpretation.
My mother was quite religious; I am not. My father rejected his parents' religion and really had no use for it. My husband's parents were active in their church. I would describe him as an atheist. Same with his brother. I think some people I know who are not church goers have spiritual beliefs. I also know people whose faith makes them into social activists. One of my great nieces back east has fallen down the fundamentalist rabbit hole. Her mother is not. All religions can be used for good or ill and at the core of many is how to treat other people and in particular arose to advise how aristocrats should treat the peons.
My son claims atheism. I'm an active Episcopalian. So many atheists I know whose moms' are quite active in their chosen faith expression. My mom's a Roman Catholic. My brother is an evangelical.
Mike S, you’re right on, a lot of life is a tough story. And on the thoughts of how our mothers give us our religion or in some cases no religion, is all that part of the accident of birth? I don’t want to blame my Mother. While I was raised in a cultural Jewish family, my own children skipped assigning themselves a religion. But their sons are identifying with their own mothers who are not Jewish. Just saying that the practice of religion is part of the identity. But once we are what we are thanks to our mothers, then maybe blame the religion for the power it wields on our planet. Religion is responsible for major wars. The Inquisition. Holocaust. The Crusades. Holy Wars. I still won’t blame the mothers.
Saw yesterday that someone in Russia died (again) from tall building syndrome which I thought was a very good way of describing people who can't keep their balance when in upper stories. I can't imagine that all of these people are going to be very enthusiastic soldiers.
It is beginning to look like the tide is turning against Putin. Many, many Russians do NOT want to participate in his war on Ukraine. And they are showing it.
Putin's game seems to be at least two prong: rid Russia of likely dissidents, (minorities) and two expand a "Buffer Zone" at border lines.
Well so far his war has killed about 80,000 troops.
It seems exaggeration is a common ego defect among rump & poutin:
“The Russian mobilization—the first since World War II—appears to be aiming at 1 million new soldiers, rather than the 300,000 suggested yesterday.” HCR
The poor, the minorities, the canon fodder in the new wars. Left only with the widows, old women, old men, and orphans, the new opponents at home in good old Russia.
Report this morning is that it's not just young men but also men in 30s and 40s. This will not end well for Putin or the unfortunate conscripts who will be sent to fight with minimal training and decades-old equipment IF they even have enough for the numbers conscripted. From what I've read, this seems more like old-fashioned shanghai'ing.
Maybe the rising up of the Russian masses...all of them, each of them!...including the military and the police, etc. maybe even the KGB... Russia is a nation of great and diverse people....what could they make of their country if given the opportunity?
He recalled President Ronald Reagan’s famous line: “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help.” “But we really are,” Biden said, “
This is why we love Biden. We love Joe Biden - not as a slogan or an advertisement. We love Biden because he is good. We have needed goodness, simple goodness for a long time. There was much in today’s letter to spur further examination, reflection and anticipation, but the words about Biden’s help to Puerto Rico,
‘Here at home, President Biden has rushed help to Puerto Rico.’ (Letter)
Those were the words that spoke to my heart. President Biden is a good person. He is a true public servant.
There is much more to Joe Biden than simply being a good person. But his basic goodness does seem to animate everything he does. "Rushing to help Puerto Rico" is (arguably - but I'll stick to my guns on this one) the most important action recently taken by his administration. Nothing heals better than competent action backed up by adequate resources.
I think Obama and Carter have very strong moral compasses too. They both lacked Joe's 40+ years experience within the federal government. One thing that has surprised me is all his zingers. I wish he had said, 'Bazinga" after that one.
Reagan’s little falsehood fueled the right-wing anti-government sentiment in our country and gave further impetus to the conservative movement; it resulted in what the GOP is today. To them, the only legitimate function of the federal government is protecting its plutocrat donors. When they’re in power, they try to make sure the government is NOT here to help (unless it’s to come to the aid of the swells).
Funny you should say that, that way. In Indiana yesterday, where I live, a judge unexpectedly halted our punishing new abortion law, restoring access (until the next appeal). I said That's the best news I've heard in...6 years!, having to count back.
Will anyone be surprised to awake to news that Putin has been overthrown or has launched a nuclear weapon against Ukraine? It feels like we're nearing the dramatic conclusion of a thriller novel, but this is real life and the stakes are monumental.
Michael I haven’t a clue as to how this Putin-initiated crisis will turn out. However, I am reminded of Chamberlain’s ‘1938 ‘peace in our time’ Czech territory giveaway to Hitler. It signaled the West’s weakness to Hitler, who swiftly moved to absorb much more of Europe.
If Putin’s audacious effort to expand Russia’s empire is not definitively stopped in Ukraine, then Eastern Europe would become his next ‘nibble and absorb’ meal.
However, we are starting to run our ammunition supplies low. So, there is a problem for us in supporting Ukraine. Whether our choices have any consequences for us here?
I don't know yet. But, I have a feeling Putin is wondering about that too.
Many NATO members have started to increased munitions supplies, only very recently though. The thought was that Ukraine will fall quickly, then can Ukraine be trusted not sell/give modern weapon systems to the Russians and those were real fears. Ukraine had a very corrupt government until quite recently. I think or hope that those fears of NATO members have been alleviated and we will see an increase in modern weaponry for Ukraine.
I would guess they need to be sure if they attack they need to be sure to kill the king, like us and tfg. I read somewhere, though, there is no likely successor to Putin—as if he ever thought he wouldn’t reign forever.
There are many wealthy men and women in Russia who would benefit themselves as well as Russia if they would find the courage and commitment to do so. Putin is one man and the people in Russia are suffering due to his crazed leadership.
Yes, it feels like I’m five and waiting for the Cuban Missile crisis to go away so my parents won’t build a bomb shelter in our yard. So we won’t practice duck and cover. And then we negotiated. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Missile_Crisis
...and school drills of kids getting under their desks in case a bomb was dropped...not much changed...now the same drills are for “protection” from active shooters.
Francine, I was never really afraid during air raid drills because the contiguous United States had never been bombed when we were doing them. Tragically, young children today are frequently reminded that active shooters have committed mass murders in school and there is always the chance it will happen again....in their school.
Marlene For those in our ‘late middle age,’ we experienced the FBI coming to the basement of our elementary school in WW II to ‘identify’ us. At age 7 what I understood was that this was to ‘identify’ our bodies, if the Germans ever invaded.
This was NOT rept NOT a subject we discussed at our morning milk and cookies.
Many years later I recall swapping stories with Russians about our ‘nuclear bomb shelter’ experiences. Crawling into the bathtub was one of my favorites.
ML Yes, in Haverford, a suburb of Philadelphia. I remember the Civil Defense air spotters. Often they spotted what might be a ‘Nazi plane’—huh, flying nonstop over 3,000 miles. All false alarms.
Actually a newly designed German plane flew, without any armaments, within sight of the American coast in 1945. I believe that a Japanese sub sent a few shots into the Pacific Northwest. The focus on the threat of an Axis air raid, much less an invasion, was psychological. Big focus on the 8 Nazi saboteurs who landed in Long Island. Badly organized and swiftly caught.
Targeting the West Coast, the Japanese launched thousands of balloons carrying incendiary bombs in hopes of starting forest fires. Many reached land, but there was only one explosion — in Oregon, with tragic results.
Those were very tense times. I was in junior high in Central Florida. Watching formations of military planes flying south was unnerving to say the least. We knew the duck-and-cover drills in class were pointless. Everyone grappled emotionally with the possibility of nuclear annihilation.
What's scary is that Putin has so obviously backwards publicly blamed the U.S. and the west for even causing his attacks on Ukraine and has threatened multiple times to use nuclear weapns.
By the way, notice the similarity of Trump blaming everyone but himself for his wrongs, too.
Joe Sidney Powell is in such deep legal s++t that all of Trump’s flashings could not spare her disbarment, massive financial consequences, and likely serious jail time. Not showing up before a grand jury doesn’t ingratiate Powell to the prosecution or the judge.
Might there be a special wing of a prison for Trump and his insidious sycophants? Perhaps the Orange Room?
I have been pondering whether the Trumpers and Jan6ers should be jailed together. Will that give them too much time to plot more or would dispersing them through the system just spread the disease?
Judy You raise a philosophical question. In a cess pool do the large chunks necessarily float to the top? Do the mediocre chunks simply coagulate? Most likely these jailed folks would anxiously squeal on one another to get early relief. A delightful pig’s serenade, with a Trumpet fugue.
Florida may end up repurposing Mar-a-Lago as a campus for seditionists and traitors. Perhaps even have tour busses and the MaL special as part of a new tourist experience: warm water and sh*t on a secret document. Orange tops and hats available at an extra cost and all revenue going toward paying off DOJ costs to prosecute the lot.
Great idea! I’d pay to visit this Trump Zoo with document-flushing toilets. Would the entire zoo be called the Reptile Room? I’d pay extra to watch pythons gorge on serpenty syncophants.
Come on, she over slept. Or thought it was an invitation and had sent her regrets and we all know how unreliable the US Postal Services is ... or is that are? Proves she is certifiable, you think?
It seems likely that Russians love their children more than they love Putin and that they will do what they they can to keep them out of the despots reach. And, I hope to hell that conscripted criminals give their crime boss what he deserves, a totally unruly army happy to be free and unwilling to do anything but trade shots of vodka with each other while the Ukrainians regain control of their country.
There is a reason we used to draft and still recruit young men right out of high school. They follow blindly. I do not think his rag tag, untrained army made up of men with families, forced against their will to fight, will fight or stand a chance against the Ukrainian military (unless they surrender.) This is another very bad Putin decision. The kind Trump would have made. I have the feeling Putin will not be in power much longer. The clock is ticking. It is the ending I most prefer. Without Putin, end the war, go home.
Perfect! "We share the same reality regardless of our theology."
Problem comes when the perceptions of that "reality" are so staggeringly different. Love of our children will hopefully be enough to save them and us. TY
Thank you for posting this. At 61 I grew up on Sting and The Police. I wonder if I was unconsciously channeling the lyrics? I will post the song on my FB.
“Wow. Even Kim Jung-un is seeking distance from Putin! You know you are a pariah when other pariahs are dissing you.” Michael McFaul (our excellent former ambassador to Russia)
In response to reports that North Korea was supplying massive armaments to Russia, Kim’s spokesman said ‘not true and no plans to do this.’ Putin had a summit meeting with Xi, who expressed displeasure with Putin’s deadly Ukrainian escapade. Turkish President Erdogan, who I consider a pariah 2nd class and who has previously sucked up to Putin, just dissed Putin’s Ukrainian calumny in a PBS interview.
At the same time, Jared Kushner took time off from managing the $2 billion that Mohamed bin Salman bestowed on him to accept the Hungarian Order of Merit from Orban, Putin’s despicable buddy and MAGA hero.
I expect that Jared’s daddy in law will lend Jared some ketchup for this ‘Hungarian goulash.’
Meanwhile Putin is a desperate rat from whom other rats are distancing themselves.
“Indeed, even North Korea has distanced itself from Russia, saying in an official statement that it has never supplied Russia with weapons and has no plans to do so.”
Now I look to see what China and India will do in light of Putin’s million-man-call-up.
AND I wonder, what will the response from Russian women be? Slaughter a generation of males, and women are left to clean up the mess, run industry, business, schools, and healthcare, raise the children, care for the infirmed and elderly. And maybe, overthrow Putin?
‘The men who would be kings’ are busy. Addle brained trump does not even need a magic wand. He can mentally de classify documents and make them so. We are most fortunate that this would be king is playing in a fantastical kingdom and no longer rules. Where is a straight jacket when you need one?
On the other hand, and in another part of the world, we have poo poo putin who might likely create yet another refugee crisis- his own people fleeing Russia. Vlad, you can make them wear a uniform but you can’t make them fight. From the aggressor’s standpoint, the war in Ukraine has become, ludicrous. The enormous sadness of the loss of life, massive destruction of property, separation of families is way beyond what we could imagine a people to bear, yet the Ukrainian people persist and the world grieves.
Powell, like many of the Trump true believers, only complies with the law when it suits her. That said, she seems to have missed the memo about justice is coming. Or maybe she couldn't will herself from the curse-up fetal position she's been stuck in since Trump's Very Bad Week began.
I am from Michigan and waiting to see if she and the other lawyers who sued the city of Detroit have paid the fine for the city's legal expenses and have action toward suspending their law licenses. I think her own statement as a lawyer that no one would really be expected to believe the statements she made says it all.
According to the article (in the Notes), there was “confusion over the subpoena, and she apparently did not testify. It is unclear if there will be legal repercussions from her failure to appear. .... It is unclear when Powell will be rescheduled to testify.”
"Officials are scouring villages to conscript men, especially ethnic minorities, to fill the quotas the government has established."
Putin really is reinstating the czarist regime. And not just in the pomp and privilege trappings. Now instead of fleeing conscription on foot and on ships, its by every modern mode of transportation. And of course, ethnic minorities are bearing the brunt. Where are my serfs says Vlad.
And in the USA, it's not just Confederate Civil War reenactors any more. They want war.
Oy, because all this worked so well the first time around.
Maybe Ms. Powell hitched a ride on a submarine to Russia.
According to www.statista.com, there are approximately 64 million males in Russia. 40 million (approx) are in the ages of 15-60. As I understand it, Putin is grabbing those who are in 18-60 age groups. Russians are protesting and they are getting arrested. More than likely, they will be forced to fight as Putin is pulling prisoners out of jail to do his dirty deed. When these men learn to shoot, they should aim their weapons at their generals and flee to Ukraine. I truly feel sorry for the Russians because they have been duped for so long by one of the craziest men in history. I think he realizes his puppet is now under suspicion of espionage and there’s nothing but desperation to retain his power. He is a pariah and he now has his own allies stepping away from him. He threatens nuclear war but I believe the US and our allies could take him down like Osama bin Laden. Wish they would.
The most dangerous person in America today (drum roll please)
JARED!!!!
He should be arrested immediately as its my guess that the 39 empty folders marked classified and/or top secret taken from Con-a-Lago were emptied by him and sold to the Saudis, Russia et al and, now it appears, he's bought Hungary too. Lock this obvious criminal up now.
Putin isn’t worried about the world’s opinions. He’s time traveling back to the time of the czars, when young men were conscripted for long durations. Jews for 25 years. Sometimes a lifetime. My grandparents, Jews, fled Russia/Ukraine and Lithuania in 1909. The men would have to serve unless they were lame. My grandfather was missing a digit. Self inflicted and common way to avoid service. Can’t pull the trigger if…And the story doesn’t stop in that century. Putin’s antisemitism is well known. And continues to fuel his relentless destruction of the Ukrainian people and the country. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/vladimir-putin-ukraine-attack-antisemitism-denazify
Now he is on a path to destroy his own young people. Especially ethnic minorities. One million soldiers? Could that be a typo? Just to destroy Ukraine. And like Hitler, he has not been stopped by his own people. Yet.
I'm becoming more convinced about my suspicion about Russian empire policies: conscription of men from minorities, and sending them into wars in ways as to get rid of as many as possible. Few men left to rebel for their region against Moscow, and boasting afterwards of "Russian" sacrifices to save the mother country. Prisoners are of course also dispensable in this obscene way of thinking.
Obscene yes. But it is common yes?
For example, the USA is 75% white but the US Army is only 57% white.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/RHI225221
Meaning, minorities are substantially over-represented in the military right here in the good ole USA.
Now, we don't show up at their doors, shoot their mother, and take them away at gunpoint here (not recently anyway). Not at all.
We deny minorities good education, good jobs, good housing, and any real economic future leaving them with so few options that the military is the only option.
Going to get shot up in a war for profit like Iraq, which, has no other meaning than Haliburton profit, starts to look good. Even though they get paid with dirt.
So, minorities sign up. And they go get shot up. Then, they come back to horrific medical care and even tougher lives than they had before they left.
Everyone does it (Except Nazi Germany which did NOT take minorities into the military).
Just in different ways.
To be fair, bad education also, practically, forces many poor white people into the Armed Forces too. Being old enough to remember most of the Vietnam conflict and the protests around it I believe that cuts to education started as it was recognized that it is much harder to get an educated population to fight in a war,.
This use of the word “many” is one of Trump’s favorite ruses. A hundred is many but is a tiny fraction of the population. The point is that a far greater percentage of black Americans than white Americans are denied access to good education, which makes enlisting in the military an attractive employment opportunity for a much higher percentage of black Americans than white Americans, hence the disparity in the racial makeup of the armed forces. There is nothing “fair” in your comment offering “fairness” to white Americans. The system is grossly unfair to black Americans and other Americans with nonEuropean ancestors. Yes, it may also be unfair to some white Americans but not many, percentage-wise.
I did not mean to imply that the system is not stacked against black Americans, it most certainly is.
Quick Google search:
there are 24.62 million (2020) poor white Americans and In 2020
the Black or African American alone population (41.1 million) accounted for 12.4% of all people living in the United States and of this group Blacks had the highest poverty rate (19.5 percent).
My point was that if you keep a large percentage of the population poorly educated then you have easy access to cheap labor and solders.
I think we’re on the same page and certainly agree that poorly educated people are fodder for organizations offering bad jobs. My objection is that when you say “To be fair, bad education also, practically, forces many poor white people into the Armed Forces too”, you give the impression that poor white people face about the same disadvantage in opportunity as poor black people, which (I think we agree) is false.
John
I believe you know no One wins at war...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEmI_FT4YHU
George, thank you! This is another Dylan lesson of truth. The comments are legend, what would Jesus say about war. We could teach history through the tears and truth of folk songs. But we don’t seem to learn.
Also harder to get a well educated public to support Republicans.
J L Graham
"Also harder to get a well educated public to support Republicans."
This truly must be the all time greatest example of an oxymoron definition in the entire universe's history of the English Language's incongruousnesses!
BRAVO!
Yes John - I agree here in Florida where I lived in the 1960's-70s many of the first to go to Vietnam were the high school dropouts -- the dropout rate here in Florida then was probably almost 50% in some areas. My 18 year old boyfriend who had dropped out after jr high - joined the marines and did two tours in Vietnam - wrote about how scared everyone was all day long. Sad letters to read indeed.
Mike your comment : "We deny minorities good education, good jobs, good housing, and any real economic future leaving them with so few options that the military is the only option." This is the basis for discontent in the United States. When crime and breakdown of society was confined to certain neighborhoods of large cities it was not addressed. Send men to the moon and yet we cannot provide for those held back from participating meaningfully. That is wrong and we are paying for it now. The Biden administration is on the right path and I hope dems do not let down if we crush the midterms and after 2024.
Yes, Whitey On The Moon. I just finished the book 1619, which every American should read. Oh. Wait. They'll be burning that one in TX and FL any day now.
Yes, Margaret, “1619” is a must read and is one of the most feared books for the book banning crowd. It’s a CRT example of “making my children feel bad about themselves.” The Truth is dangerous to fascism and control.
Hello Margaret The Artist
From George The Architect
probably betsy devos has already CONfiscated 1619 as commanded by her billionaire daddy dickey devos sr. (amway now alticor)
Or look at it this way: the military is the most truly meritocratic institution in America. A Black or Hispanic person can build a career with less impediment from prejudice than pretty much anywhere else in our society. They can have security, healthcare and, after 20 years or more, a good, steady pension. And the prestige that comes from being part of a respected institution. That’s a big part of why so many members of ethnic minorities join, and stay in the military.
Despite the Democratic Party being a haven for the likes of George Wallace until the Civil Rights Acts, Harry Truman ordered desegregation of the military, a major step in federal government retreat from enabling statutory racism.
Very nice. Thank you
Thank you John, Frankom and Mike S for this discussion!
“𝘐 𝘢𝘪𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘯𝘰 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘨.” --Muhammad Ali
I really wish there was no truth in what you say.
Meanwhile, the forced relocation to Russia of a million or so Ukrainians, white and mostly women, has a long term goal: make Russia whiter.
If Putin can gather that many, how fast can he train them? Ukrainian Forces will do what they have been doing. They will fight them, destroying them with our advanced weaponry, and they will kill them too. Russia will loose a generation of 18-25 year old boys and young men. All because of one old man clinging to power.
According to reports this morning, conscription is not limited to young men.
Must be because there are not enough of them? ( a persistent problem in authoritarian regimes....low birth rate, high alcoholism, lack of opportunity to participate fully in the economy.) Putin must go.
This is the thing I worry about.
Ted Keyes
poutin suffers from his Homunculus Complex
This does seem to threaten a horrifying future complete with a 🇷🇺 Lost Generation, yes.
JJ,
Not be be too dark here, but, look at the bright side.
The only real solution to the pending eco disaster/extinction event called global warming?
Yep. Human population reduction. And I mean by quite a bit, not 10% or so.
So, one way to think of Putin's war is?? Helping to participate in reducing global warming.
Right?
Dark to be sure. But I see where you are coming from. We think we are disconnected from each other and our environment but that of course is hubris. I too have thought perhaps the earth is trying to right itself. When I was born in 1951 there were 2.5 billion people on the earth. Now I think it is around 8 billion. The number of cars alone is a clue we are foolish. Putin of course thinks he is a special human but maybe he is a pawn of the earth’s objective to get healthy.
The groups of humans caught up in Genocide wouldn’t agree with that reasoning. Our continent was inhabited before white men showed up to replace them. And essentially to annihilate them.
Mary Ellen Spicuzza
6,530,000 killed by the COVID PANDEMIC so far, and many more each and every day NOW!
And I suspect there will be a lot more of this - populations on the move vs the inhabitants.
Mike S
Over 100,000 total of ALL killed so far, with no end in sight!
Especially if the madman decides to use nukes.
😪
"My grandfather was missing a digit. Self inflicted and common way to avoid service. Can’t pull the trigger if…And the story doesn’t stop in that century. Putin’s antisemitism is well known."
Irenie, a tough story to be sure. And tough lives in Russia (and some other places) for Jewish folks. I would say "I'm so sorrry", which, honestly, I am, but, it won't help.
I have been wondering, over and over, why anyone cares what anyone else "believes" or what their religion is?
After all, the only determining factor in what religion one "is", is one's mother. Yes, religion is a pure accident of birth..
...your mother determines your religion (and mine). I call it the good son (or daughter) outcome.
I have taken (quite a bit of data on this) since graduate school when I first enocountered many different religions.
My friends who are atheists, yep, their Mom's were atheist. This is key data because Atheists often like to think of themselves as having invented themselves but? No, their Mom's were atheist too. Atheists? Nope, nothing special, just good sons, one and all.
My friends who are Muslim, yep, the Mom's were too.
Same with every person I know. Not a single exception. Not one.
So? If the only reason somene is X religion is because of an accident of who your mother is?
Well, why would anyone get too excited about what religion anyone is?
It is just not a big deal and is just pure, unadulterated, random chance (who your mother is and what religion you are).
There are so many religions on earth in so many places. Goodness. Who cares?
and? Putin??? He is the religion his Mom was too.
Just an accident of birth. Religion.
I'm an atheist but my mom was a good Christian woman.
I became an atheist at the age of eight after visiting all the churches in town and deciding that I didnt need that in my life.
And like you said, why the hell does it matter what I believe,
Religion isn't an accident of birth, but a con job made up by men to control people and make money.
For that reason (the use of religion by those in power to control the working classes), Marx called religion the opium of the masses. I often think of this quote when current politicians use Christianity to rile up their (“opiated”?) followers.
I think that meth is a more addictive drug (brain chemistry wise) than opioids and certainly explains their fervor. I think you're onto something here, however.
My grandfather had his own church group. His advice was “we do not talk religion or politics”. He owned the Yellowstone Bar and cafe in Terry, Montana. On payday all the common cowhands brought their 30 to 50 dollar monthly wages to his church. He also was partners with Roy Rogers in a bar in Miles city. That was where the better paid cowhands went to worship on payday. His religious fervor required only monthly devotion, on payday. First on his agenda was drinks on the house. Next the poker tables in back. Best of all was the visit to the angels upstairs. There was a lean-to by the privy for overnighters. You gave him your paycheck upon entering the Yellowstone and after performing all the stations of the bar you received a steak dinner and 15 dollars cash back to make it until next payday. His worshippers were faithful.
Oh MY, Pat! Quite a story about an enterprising grandfather! I wonder though, if the “girls upstairs” got paid real money. Sorry, again it just struck me about women being subservient to men...
Religion was created by man. Whatever great spirit there may be would not approve of the white nationalist Christian movement in this country. Would not approve of the intolerance and hate or the persecution of others for not being cut from the same cloth. When corporations were allowed to design their health benefits around their religious beliefs that was the beginning of the end IMHO. It was the loss of personal choice. Because the choice exists does not mean one has to make that choice on a personal level. However the choice has been made for you already. I don’t get why anyone’s religious beliefs should matter or should be forced upon others. Offering birth control health coverage comes to mind…half of our population are women. Does viagra get covered?
Christine (Happy Valley, PA
It seems you might be a bit deceived.
The white nationalist christian movement IS NOT CHRISTIAN, it is Devil worship which is ONLY about hate that divides one neighbor from another
Christianity is ONLY about love, as in love your neighbor as you do yourself.
Friends, we probably agree that religion is complicated and controversial and can be an emotional topic. This NYT “THE Daily” Podcast tells the story of an evangelical pastor’s journey affected and changed by politics in America. It connects to our interest, worries and concerns about the influence of religion on today’s elections and the sociopolitical climate in USA. Google just in case my link is wonky. “The Pastors Being Driven Out by Trumpism
Why some evangelical pastors in the U.S. are quitting in large numbers.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/23/podcasts/the-daily/evangelicals-trumpism.html
Irenie
"...an evangelical pastor’s journey affected and changed by politics in America..."
The evangelical's seek to force their doctrine upon others to control their choices thereby limiting their freedom. They seek to deceive others into a subservience controlled by those in the power seat of the evangelical cult...it is no longer a religion...these pastors who once were respected as teachers/theologians have become insignificant in promoting the, "Cause!"
Thus the mass exodus of pastors...
George,
Thanks for your comments. Rest assured I am not deceived by any of this evilness. Not for a minute. Not for a second. I wouldn’t necessarily classify it as devil worship, but I do think it is driven by several of the seven deadly sins. I don’t mean that in a religious sense but in a just old plain COMMONSENSE way.
Deadly hubris. Malignant narcissism. How could "God on our side" not be narcissism? Which expressions of religion honor humility and which self-supremacy? Which counsel kindness and which hate?
Christine, there is an even more insidious movement I've learned about recently, the New Apostolic Reformation, NAR, especially strong in South America. Most people are not aware of this although it provides the "theology" for the white Christian Nationalist movements around the world. "A new charismatic Christian movement that seeks to take dominion over politics, business and culture in preparation for the end times and ..." National Catholic Report.
For those interested the book I've seen recommended is https://www.amazon.com/New-Apostolic-Reformation-Biblical-Worldwide-ebook/dp/B07HCVBLP7/ref=sr_1_1? by Greivett and Pivec
Mary McGee Heins
The book that should have been recommended is the Book of Love...The Holy Bible.
In it is ALL the answers, ALL that is necessary in preparation for the end times, ALL that is required for today and every day thereafter, and even longer than that!
Hi George. As you probably have surmised, the book I mentioned explains exactly the philosophy/theology the group holds and EXACTLY why it's unscriptural. The "Good Book" doesn't do this, of course. Those in the pulpits (or anyone) can use this book to explain and refute the errors of NAR under its so-called banner of (Christian) Reformation.
BTW, I love the scriptures, too, but they have to be read with an understanding of the times and audiences they were directed at as well as with an understanding of the various literary styles of the passages. They're not always to be taken literally.
My daughter calls me cultural christian. My parents were religious, I wasn’t quite so much as they were. My kids are atheists. More so because of their father’s beliefs. There are variables in that equation. Even in our nationalism wave in Texas, church attendance is actually way down.
Faith is real and it is personal. It will reveal its reality in action. Institutions of all types have done a lot of damage by being more interested in money and power and attempting to build a kingdom of some type on earth. I will leave it there.....
I'm sorry Emily. Those of us who have watched the political and religious dynamic (over too many decades) have been seriously jaded. There have been too many religious leaders who have usurped blind faith as a convenient tool with which to achieve political power and access. However, I deleted my own personal rant out of respect to those I have known those who practice a loving and private relationship with their faith and are not inclined to be judgmental about diversity or "otherness". Nevertheless, I still find it hard to accept that well intentioned people of faith have not been more vocal about the insidious cross contamination of said politics and religion within their own communities of worship. I come from a time when an Irish Catholic could not hope to achieve the Presidency due to stoked fears about the country ending up under the power and influence of Rome and the Holy See. Seems almost a quaint idea given today's political theater. Such a candidate had to walk a clear and definite line separating Church and State. We appear to have come full circle, but the result is surely not an improvement. Indeed, the employment of religion as a backdrop to political organization is a serious contamination that sours all thought about religion. Jesus needs to clear out the Temple again. "My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."
I would not say full circle but a 180. Full circle takes one back to the starting point. Your points, however, are all too real.
Deleted as the section that seemed to be missing in my previous comment, magically appeared in said previous comment, once I posted it here. Go figger.....
K Barnes
Religion, Faith, worship are being used as synonyms in a most cavalier persuasion...a furtiveness to deceive the actual target of conversation, e.g. Christianity.
Christianity is only about love, nothing else but love, love for each other, love of another as much as oneself.
Christianity is NOT seeking political domination over any other "Rival."
Christianity is only about uniting all in a love that every one was born into, not divisiveness, not war.
About your final assertion:
Indeed, cleaning house is a continuous demand.
However the one(s) responsible for the degradation of the house must be held accountable for their actions.
The offenders must be held accountable and suffer the consequences of their actions.
We have laws and law enforcement, and judicial system, and prison systems to prevent further degradations.
A Christian would not degrade The House purchased by the blood of a LOVE we cannot fully comprehend,
You do not need to be sorry regarding your perception of faith…those who manipulate trusting and well intended people are abundant in every country, state, town and home. From time to time we all put our love and faith and understanding of right and wrong in the wrong places and on the wrong people. We don’t have to stay in that place: mentally, emotionally even intellectually. K. Barnes, we can grow in wisdom, understanding, awareness, truth…this is where the living Spirit comes in. God does not pour us into a mold…we pour ourselves into self made molds…and we can choose to escape from those molds…and we can choose to grow or not. We can choose “a house of prayer and we can pray first of all that we will not be “a den of thieves” and if we really want to be bold, we can pray for the den of thieves that their mind and heart will be opened…that they will see they are being deceived but each one must decide.
Nicely put. I would agree.
Emily Pfaff
Love, Eh!?
Yup!
The vocabulary may change but the lack of choice for a child is part of when early indoctrination or “brainwashing” works. Religious schools now funded by some governments and the Supreme Court support what once was thought of as personal or private. But maybe that’s also fiction. Religion was part of the original reason for escaping Europe, England and settling here. And then there were the witch trials. The more we look back and learn about our nation’s founding, the more we learn that we haven’t been taught the truth. And that’s one of the fears of CRT, Critical Race Theory. Telling the truth about this country.
The freedom to practice one’s religious beliefs…not to be persecuted for them. Not everyone who came here practiced the same variety of religion…so why is it so many in the GOP think we need to be a country with a national religion? Many of them can only talk the talk…they certainly don’t walk the talk. Hypocrisy!
Speaking as a Christian here...I also believe that in this country there has to be "freedom FROM religion" for those that desire it. No one should ever be persecuted or ostracized because they don't believe. Faith comes down to choice--wow, funny how, once again, "choice" can threaten so many people, idnit? But, practising one's faith should NEVER come at the expense of someone else's beliefs and that's so often the sticking point. Some religions, or branches of them, seem to want everyone to conform and believe like their cult does. No dissent allowed. THEY have the "one truth", whatever the f*** that is. I've always called it spiritual authoritarianism. It has been the scourge of humanity for as long as we've been a species. Maybe one day everybody will be able to get along, but cooperation and live-and-let-live just doesn't seem to be in some people's DNA, so we'll always be fighting it.
I couldn’t agree more! I have always felt that this country should be run free from religion, that way people have the freedom to practice their own beliefs. (Just so long it doesn’t include human sacrifices or burning witches at the stake!) I certainly object to my tax dollars supporting religious schools!
Irenie
We all are freer to choose.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/so-much-buzz-but-what-is-critical-race-theory
George, thank you for this excellent article and description of CRT. It’s from 2021 and is a clear explanation of CRT and the politicization of education. I’m not so sure we’re really free to choose. Many schools in red states have banned 1619 project and the CRT curriculum since 2021. At the least we are becoming educated on what’s happening in our country and the division in education and cultural norms.
Agree! People in those, pardon my expression, children in those shithole states are not free, by any means. They are being highly manipulated and deceived. We were too, growing up. What teacher or professor told us white folks the truth about slavery in the US? That’s right, NONE! I am surprised that my educators in Lenoir, NC taught us about the Holocaust and that was in the very early 60’s.
Beth, “And like you said, why the hell does it matter what I believe,” it matters when it’s a way to divide and conquer. And to brainwash and teach and continue the same divisive and murderous conditions to form a cultural or sociopolitical movement. To control. Even better when Starts early.
I had an identical experience only at the age of fourteen, not eight, and my parents were both believers, although the Christian-lite version as Congregationalists. My dad offered to take me to any church I wanted to experience and at the end of my tour, I realized none of them had enough to offer to warrant my commitment to an ideology which required suspending belief in reality.
My parents were Catholic. My grandfather was the church sexton for the parish for many years. I've moved away from organized religion...as have most of my children. I prefer Vonnegut's "First Church of God the Utterly Indifferent" if I had to choose...
Mike S, Yes religion is an accident of birth. And an “easy” way to divide and conquer.” Skin color, too, but no hiding. Every difference is a way for madmen to divide and conquer. Worldwide. It’s history. Something about Humanity? Or about Nature?
Irenie
"Yes religion is an accident of birth"
WRONG
If you, like so many others, might be confusing religion with Christianity then choosing CHRIST as SAVIOR and only ADVOCATE is not an accident.
An accident is what happens when one is deceived into assuming one's birth is an accident instead of the astonishing miracle it is.
We ALL begin life in love.
We are given the power to choose between that same love that gave us life or we become first distracted by life's temptations and then deceived into finally becoming scattered as the proud in the imagination of our hearts.
This is arrogance and it is the accident that kills.
George E Dobbs Please stop shouting. It makes you sound dogmatic, not thoughtful or constructive. It seems that most here has a nuanced and intelligent view of religion. There are pluses and minuses to organized religion. What is wonderful about our founders (who I believe were Deists) is they sought to create a country with freedom to worship or not, as we saw fit (with certain limitations of course.)
GMB
AGREED!
George, perhaps the interpretation of “accident” is up for debate. Or interpretation. Do we choose our birth, our parents, the values and religion we are taught through childhood and direct teaching? That also is interpretation.
Irenie
Does love require interpretation?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7xMfIp-irg
George, thanks for making me smile. Maybe the Beatles founded a new religion. LOVE ❤️
My mother was quite religious; I am not. My father rejected his parents' religion and really had no use for it. My husband's parents were active in their church. I would describe him as an atheist. Same with his brother. I think some people I know who are not church goers have spiritual beliefs. I also know people whose faith makes them into social activists. One of my great nieces back east has fallen down the fundamentalist rabbit hole. Her mother is not. All religions can be used for good or ill and at the core of many is how to treat other people and in particular arose to advise how aristocrats should treat the peons.
My son claims atheism. I'm an active Episcopalian. So many atheists I know whose moms' are quite active in their chosen faith expression. My mom's a Roman Catholic. My brother is an evangelical.
Mike S, you’re right on, a lot of life is a tough story. And on the thoughts of how our mothers give us our religion or in some cases no religion, is all that part of the accident of birth? I don’t want to blame my Mother. While I was raised in a cultural Jewish family, my own children skipped assigning themselves a religion. But their sons are identifying with their own mothers who are not Jewish. Just saying that the practice of religion is part of the identity. But once we are what we are thanks to our mothers, then maybe blame the religion for the power it wields on our planet. Religion is responsible for major wars. The Inquisition. Holocaust. The Crusades. Holy Wars. I still won’t blame the mothers.
Thee have been multiple protests in Russia about this conscription plan. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/21/putin-russia-mobilization-public-protest/
The item most searched for yesterday in Russia was “How to break your arm at home.”
So interesting and if I were a male in Russia, yes, that is what I would do too!
Saw yesterday that someone in Russia died (again) from tall building syndrome which I thought was a very good way of describing people who can't keep their balance when in upper stories. I can't imagine that all of these people are going to be very enthusiastic soldiers.
It is beginning to look like the tide is turning against Putin. Many, many Russians do NOT want to participate in his war on Ukraine. And they are showing it.
Irenie
Putin's game seems to be at least two prong: rid Russia of likely dissidents, (minorities) and two expand a "Buffer Zone" at border lines.
Well so far his war has killed about 80,000 troops.
It seems exaggeration is a common ego defect among rump & poutin:
“The Russian mobilization—the first since World War II—appears to be aiming at 1 million new soldiers, rather than the 300,000 suggested yesterday.” HCR
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3143381/russian-efforts-to-raise-numbers-of-troops-unlikely-to-succeed-us-official-says/
The poor, the minorities, the canon fodder in the new wars. Left only with the widows, old women, old men, and orphans, the new opponents at home in good old Russia.
Report this morning is that it's not just young men but also men in 30s and 40s. This will not end well for Putin or the unfortunate conscripts who will be sent to fight with minimal training and decades-old equipment IF they even have enough for the numbers conscripted. From what I've read, this seems more like old-fashioned shanghai'ing.
Yup.
If history is a guide, Surrender of the Russian masses coming soon.
How will that look for Putin?
Maybe the rising up of the Russian masses...all of them, each of them!...including the military and the police, etc. maybe even the KGB... Russia is a nation of great and diverse people....what could they make of their country if given the opportunity?
Yet. Soon!
Where's the power or purpose of the UN if it can't stop rogues like Putin.
Agree with you, Mary!
He recalled President Ronald Reagan’s famous line: “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help.” “But we really are,” Biden said, “
This is why we love Biden. We love Joe Biden - not as a slogan or an advertisement. We love Biden because he is good. We have needed goodness, simple goodness for a long time. There was much in today’s letter to spur further examination, reflection and anticipation, but the words about Biden’s help to Puerto Rico,
‘Here at home, President Biden has rushed help to Puerto Rico.’ (Letter)
Those were the words that spoke to my heart. President Biden is a good person. He is a true public servant.
There is much more to Joe Biden than simply being a good person. But his basic goodness does seem to animate everything he does. "Rushing to help Puerto Rico" is (arguably - but I'll stick to my guns on this one) the most important action recently taken by his administration. Nothing heals better than competent action backed up by adequate resources.
I think Obama and Carter have very strong moral compasses too. They both lacked Joe's 40+ years experience within the federal government. One thing that has surprised me is all his zingers. I wish he had said, 'Bazinga" after that one.
Reagan’s little falsehood fueled the right-wing anti-government sentiment in our country and gave further impetus to the conservative movement; it resulted in what the GOP is today. To them, the only legitimate function of the federal government is protecting its plutocrat donors. When they’re in power, they try to make sure the government is NOT here to help (unless it’s to come to the aid of the swells).
Right on, Fern!
🦉🐞🕊️🤸🏼🎹🎷🥁🟥⬜🟦🍎🥗🌻🌞❤️
We’ll said, Fern!
Thank you, KD.
What a day. What a week. What a month. These last 6-7 years have me looking/feeling older than I am.
Funny you should say that, that way. In Indiana yesterday, where I live, a judge unexpectedly halted our punishing new abortion law, restoring access (until the next appeal). I said That's the best news I've heard in...6 years!, having to count back.
I am a native Hoosier who moved south after college. I quickly understood IN was a misplaced southern state. Should be inserted between AL and MS.
Me too…. I moved west
That was such welcoming news, Mary Beth!!
I hope we see tons more of that across the Country.
I love this sentence:
“While Biden is trying to demonstrate that the government works, the former president is finding that out.”
Agreed!!
Will anyone be surprised to awake to news that Putin has been overthrown or has launched a nuclear weapon against Ukraine? It feels like we're nearing the dramatic conclusion of a thriller novel, but this is real life and the stakes are monumental.
Michael I haven’t a clue as to how this Putin-initiated crisis will turn out. However, I am reminded of Chamberlain’s ‘1938 ‘peace in our time’ Czech territory giveaway to Hitler. It signaled the West’s weakness to Hitler, who swiftly moved to absorb much more of Europe.
If Putin’s audacious effort to expand Russia’s empire is not definitively stopped in Ukraine, then Eastern Europe would become his next ‘nibble and absorb’ meal.
Agree. Completely.
However, we are starting to run our ammunition supplies low. So, there is a problem for us in supporting Ukraine. Whether our choices have any consequences for us here?
I don't know yet. But, I have a feeling Putin is wondering about that too.
Many NATO members have started to increased munitions supplies, only very recently though. The thought was that Ukraine will fall quickly, then can Ukraine be trusted not sell/give modern weapon systems to the Russians and those were real fears. Ukraine had a very corrupt government until quite recently. I think or hope that those fears of NATO members have been alleviated and we will see an increase in modern weaponry for Ukraine.
There is a larger problem if we do not support Ukraine!!!
Time for US to step up the manufacture of ammunition and replacement equipment. I assume that we have quietly without fanfare.
My question is this....why are there no leaders in Russia who do not see that they and their country could greatly benefit by deposing Putin?
I would guess they need to be sure if they attack they need to be sure to kill the king, like us and tfg. I read somewhere, though, there is no likely successor to Putin—as if he ever thought he wouldn’t reign forever.
There are many wealthy men and women in Russia who would benefit themselves as well as Russia if they would find the courage and commitment to do so. Putin is one man and the people in Russia are suffering due to his crazed leadership.
Appeasement isn't an option. Putin is weak. Now is the time to stop him once and for all.
Yes, it feels like I’m five and waiting for the Cuban Missile crisis to go away so my parents won’t build a bomb shelter in our yard. So we won’t practice duck and cover. And then we negotiated. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Missile_Crisis
Ohhhh those bomb shelters...I remember them well. That too, was a crazy time.
...and school drills of kids getting under their desks in case a bomb was dropped...not much changed...now the same drills are for “protection” from active shooters.
Francine, I was never really afraid during air raid drills because the contiguous United States had never been bombed when we were doing them. Tragically, young children today are frequently reminded that active shooters have committed mass murders in school and there is always the chance it will happen again....in their school.
It is our Shakespearean tragedy, GMB!
Yes, shooters who are inspired and encouraged by the former R party which I have renamed the Pro-Rape Party. Very very sad…
Marlene For those in our ‘late middle age,’ we experienced the FBI coming to the basement of our elementary school in WW II to ‘identify’ us. At age 7 what I understood was that this was to ‘identify’ our bodies, if the Germans ever invaded.
This was NOT rept NOT a subject we discussed at our morning milk and cookies.
Many years later I recall swapping stories with Russians about our ‘nuclear bomb shelter’ experiences. Crawling into the bathtub was one of my favorites.
Keith, was that in the US?
ML Yes, in Haverford, a suburb of Philadelphia. I remember the Civil Defense air spotters. Often they spotted what might be a ‘Nazi plane’—huh, flying nonstop over 3,000 miles. All false alarms.
Actually a newly designed German plane flew, without any armaments, within sight of the American coast in 1945. I believe that a Japanese sub sent a few shots into the Pacific Northwest. The focus on the threat of an Axis air raid, much less an invasion, was psychological. Big focus on the 8 Nazi saboteurs who landed in Long Island. Badly organized and swiftly caught.
Targeting the West Coast, the Japanese launched thousands of balloons carrying incendiary bombs in hopes of starting forest fires. Many reached land, but there was only one explosion — in Oregon, with tragic results.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/1945-japanese-balloon-bomb-killed-six-americansfive-them-children-oregon-180972259/
Those were very tense times. I was in junior high in Central Florida. Watching formations of military planes flying south was unnerving to say the least. We knew the duck-and-cover drills in class were pointless. Everyone grappled emotionally with the possibility of nuclear annihilation.
Nobody would write a novel with a plot like the last 2-4 years in the real world - it would be too unbelievable.
What's scary is that Putin has so obviously backwards publicly blamed the U.S. and the west for even causing his attacks on Ukraine and has threatened multiple times to use nuclear weapns.
By the way, notice the similarity of Trump blaming everyone but himself for his wrongs, too.
You describe our uneasiness, Michael, the suspicion of menace from anywhere and everywhere.
Yes, Fern, undifferentiated anxiety....very high right now among all ages.
Wait. You're supposed to testify at a grand jury. You don't show up. Ummm.
No reasonable person would actually believe what she says, anyway. :)
Let’s just see, shall we? 🍿
I wonder if they did a welfare check for her.
I had the same thought as well. Has she any family? And are they digging a hole at tfg's golf course?
US Marshall’s will find and help her keep her appointments.
Joe Sidney Powell is in such deep legal s++t that all of Trump’s flashings could not spare her disbarment, massive financial consequences, and likely serious jail time. Not showing up before a grand jury doesn’t ingratiate Powell to the prosecution or the judge.
Might there be a special wing of a prison for Trump and his insidious sycophants? Perhaps the Orange Room?
I have been pondering whether the Trumpers and Jan6ers should be jailed together. Will that give them too much time to plot more or would dispersing them through the system just spread the disease?
Judy You raise a philosophical question. In a cess pool do the large chunks necessarily float to the top? Do the mediocre chunks simply coagulate? Most likely these jailed folks would anxiously squeal on one another to get early relief. A delightful pig’s serenade, with a Trumpet fugue.
Florida may end up repurposing Mar-a-Lago as a campus for seditionists and traitors. Perhaps even have tour busses and the MaL special as part of a new tourist experience: warm water and sh*t on a secret document. Orange tops and hats available at an extra cost and all revenue going toward paying off DOJ costs to prosecute the lot.
Fred
Great idea! I’d pay to visit this Trump Zoo with document-flushing toilets. Would the entire zoo be called the Reptile Room? I’d pay extra to watch pythons gorge on serpenty syncophants.
All worthy ideas. I'd include an underground ex-presidential library and ketschup emporium. Every book filled with serviets.
Another "no-show" of a tRump loyalist. She'll find out that the law applies to her as well.
Something she SHOULD have learned in law school!
Come on, she over slept. Or thought it was an invitation and had sent her regrets and we all know how unreliable the US Postal Services is ... or is that are? Proves she is certifiable, you think?
It seems likely that Russians love their children more than they love Putin and that they will do what they they can to keep them out of the despots reach. And, I hope to hell that conscripted criminals give their crime boss what he deserves, a totally unruly army happy to be free and unwilling to do anything but trade shots of vodka with each other while the Ukrainians regain control of their country.
There is a reason we used to draft and still recruit young men right out of high school. They follow blindly. I do not think his rag tag, untrained army made up of men with families, forced against their will to fight, will fight or stand a chance against the Ukrainian military (unless they surrender.) This is another very bad Putin decision. The kind Trump would have made. I have the feeling Putin will not be in power much longer. The clock is ticking. It is the ending I most prefer. Without Putin, end the war, go home.
Been there. Done that. Never again.
🤞🏼
Perfect, BK.
Perfect! "We share the same reality regardless of our theology."
Problem comes when the perceptions of that "reality" are so staggeringly different. Love of our children will hopefully be enough to save them and us. TY
My most favorite Sting song. Thank you, BK.
Thank you for posting this. At 61 I grew up on Sting and The Police. I wonder if I was unconsciously channeling the lyrics? I will post the song on my FB.
Beautifully done. Excellent choice.
Haunting. Thank you.
Wow. Thank you for that!
What a time. And you are the chronicler we need.
“Wow. Even Kim Jung-un is seeking distance from Putin! You know you are a pariah when other pariahs are dissing you.” Michael McFaul (our excellent former ambassador to Russia)
In response to reports that North Korea was supplying massive armaments to Russia, Kim’s spokesman said ‘not true and no plans to do this.’ Putin had a summit meeting with Xi, who expressed displeasure with Putin’s deadly Ukrainian escapade. Turkish President Erdogan, who I consider a pariah 2nd class and who has previously sucked up to Putin, just dissed Putin’s Ukrainian calumny in a PBS interview.
At the same time, Jared Kushner took time off from managing the $2 billion that Mohamed bin Salman bestowed on him to accept the Hungarian Order of Merit from Orban, Putin’s despicable buddy and MAGA hero.
I expect that Jared’s daddy in law will lend Jared some ketchup for this ‘Hungarian goulash.’
Meanwhile Putin is a desperate rat from whom other rats are distancing themselves.
Jared is just begging for further scrutiny.
If this is true, how interesting?:
“Indeed, even North Korea has distanced itself from Russia, saying in an official statement that it has never supplied Russia with weapons and has no plans to do so.”
Now I look to see what China and India will do in light of Putin’s million-man-call-up.
AND I wonder, what will the response from Russian women be? Slaughter a generation of males, and women are left to clean up the mess, run industry, business, schools, and healthcare, raise the children, care for the infirmed and elderly. And maybe, overthrow Putin?
Seems like women are cleaning things up here...thinking Fani Willis, Letitia James, Liz Cheney
Yes! Leave it to the women to do the hard work. Which of course offends the Chief Misogynist all the more. (Not to mention smart women of color.)
Yet where I come from we also have our Tudor Dixon, Betsy DeVos, and Kristina Karamo helping them along. So sad.
There's already protests in the streets in Russia. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/21/putin-russia-mobilization-public-protest/
‘The men who would be kings’ are busy. Addle brained trump does not even need a magic wand. He can mentally de classify documents and make them so. We are most fortunate that this would be king is playing in a fantastical kingdom and no longer rules. Where is a straight jacket when you need one?
On the other hand, and in another part of the world, we have poo poo putin who might likely create yet another refugee crisis- his own people fleeing Russia. Vlad, you can make them wear a uniform but you can’t make them fight. From the aggressor’s standpoint, the war in Ukraine has become, ludicrous. The enormous sadness of the loss of life, massive destruction of property, separation of families is way beyond what we could imagine a people to bear, yet the Ukrainian people persist and the world grieves.
“Blue Over Yellow”
Broken bodies on frozen ground
broken hearts looking down
Unshielded eyes cannot refrain
from copious tears seem shed in vain
Soften the hearts of those who war,
god help us find that open door
to peace
What happens to Sydney Powell for not showing up to the grand jury ?
Powell, like many of the Trump true believers, only complies with the law when it suits her. That said, she seems to have missed the memo about justice is coming. Or maybe she couldn't will herself from the curse-up fetal position she's been stuck in since Trump's Very Bad Week began.
I am from Michigan and waiting to see if she and the other lawyers who sued the city of Detroit have paid the fine for the city's legal expenses and have action toward suspending their law licenses. I think her own statement as a lawyer that no one would really be expected to believe the statements she made says it all.
I'll be waiting to see. With popcorn. 🍿
According to the article (in the Notes), there was “confusion over the subpoena, and she apparently did not testify. It is unclear if there will be legal repercussions from her failure to appear. .... It is unclear when Powell will be rescheduled to testify.”
I guess we’ll find out!
Law enforcement will be dispatched and she’ll be in bigger trouble for blowing off a subpoena (I assume she was subpoenaed).
"Officials are scouring villages to conscript men, especially ethnic minorities, to fill the quotas the government has established."
Putin really is reinstating the czarist regime. And not just in the pomp and privilege trappings. Now instead of fleeing conscription on foot and on ships, its by every modern mode of transportation. And of course, ethnic minorities are bearing the brunt. Where are my serfs says Vlad.
And in the USA, it's not just Confederate Civil War reenactors any more. They want war.
Oy, because all this worked so well the first time around.
Maybe Ms. Powell hitched a ride on a submarine to Russia.
According to www.statista.com, there are approximately 64 million males in Russia. 40 million (approx) are in the ages of 15-60. As I understand it, Putin is grabbing those who are in 18-60 age groups. Russians are protesting and they are getting arrested. More than likely, they will be forced to fight as Putin is pulling prisoners out of jail to do his dirty deed. When these men learn to shoot, they should aim their weapons at their generals and flee to Ukraine. I truly feel sorry for the Russians because they have been duped for so long by one of the craziest men in history. I think he realizes his puppet is now under suspicion of espionage and there’s nothing but desperation to retain his power. He is a pariah and he now has his own allies stepping away from him. He threatens nuclear war but I believe the US and our allies could take him down like Osama bin Laden. Wish they would.
Ball of confusion.
That’s what the world is today.
The most dangerous person in America today (drum roll please)
JARED!!!!
He should be arrested immediately as its my guess that the 39 empty folders marked classified and/or top secret taken from Con-a-Lago were emptied by him and sold to the Saudis, Russia et al and, now it appears, he's bought Hungary too. Lock this obvious criminal up now.