Greenwald is calling the Russian hacking a conspiracy theory that was made up by democrats. There's no defending him on this issue. He's an opportunist hack.
By reilo Go To PostGreenwald is calling the Russian hacking a conspiracy theory that was made up by democrats. There's no defending him on this issue. He's an opportunist hack.ctrl+f "conspiracy theory", 0 of 0
"Since it is so often distorted, permit me to once again to underscore my own view on the broader Russia issue: of course it is possible that Russia is responsible for these hacks, as this is perfectly consistent with (and far more mild than) what both Russia and the U.S. have done repeatedly for decades.
But given the stakes involved, along with the incentives for error and/or deceit, no rational person should be willing to embrace these accusations as Truth unless and until convincing evidence has been publicly presented for review, which most certainly has not yet happened. As the above articles demonstrate, this week’s proffered “evidence” – the U.S. Government’s evidence-free report – should raise rather than dilute suspicions."
My own opinion is, Putin is funding/helping far-righters everywhere. Of course they got involved to some extent.
And of course, it did not matter much in the outcome.
A long history of racism, the weight of sexism, the failure of the neoliberal agenda to provide for many Americans, the opacity of trade deals, the very existence of the electoral college, all those mattered much more.
Lotsa people like to write history giving lots of weight to the so-called supposed butterfly effect. 1914, they'll say the assassination mattered more than imperialism. 1917, they'll say German money mattered more than the beliefs of the masses that revolted. Howard Dean screaming, etc. Those are each a paragraph at best. Not a book.
This overrating of the impact of the Russian hack is part 1950s anti-bolshevism, part refusal to self-criticize.
And of course, it did not matter much in the outcome.
A long history of racism, the weight of sexism, the failure of the neoliberal agenda to provide for many Americans, the opacity of trade deals, the very existence of the electoral college, all those mattered much more.
Lotsa people like to write history giving lots of weight to the so-called supposed butterfly effect. 1914, they'll say the assassination mattered more than imperialism. 1917, they'll say German money mattered more than the beliefs of the masses that revolted. Howard Dean screaming, etc. Those are each a paragraph at best. Not a book.
This overrating of the impact of the Russian hack is part 1950s anti-bolshevism, part refusal to self-criticize.
The thing that pisses me off about Trump's (and the fringe right's) sudden embrace of Putin is that it is the opposite of strength.
A good negotiation doesn't begin with kissing the adversary's ass. It doesn't make any sense unless Putin has some sort of leverage over Trump or has promised to enrich him.
We're selling our primacy in international affairs down the river and shifting every major alliance we're in for unknown reasons.
A good negotiation doesn't begin with kissing the adversary's ass. It doesn't make any sense unless Putin has some sort of leverage over Trump or has promised to enrich him.
We're selling our primacy in international affairs down the river and shifting every major alliance we're in for unknown reasons.
By Gabyskra Go To Postctrl+f "conspiracy theory", 0 of 0That's a lot of words when the synonym "conspiracy theory" suffices. "Raises suspicion" that "this evidence is true" is a way of saying that he doesn't believe it and there must be some sort of agenda behind it all where the real truth lies somewhere else. It's just nicely worded bullshit that he thinks the government is making this shit up to push some agenda, as if the FBI and Comey have been some democrat loving allies.
"Since it is so often distorted, permit me to once again to underscore my own view on the broader Russia issue: of course it is possible that Russia is responsible for these hacks, as this is perfectly consistent with (and far more mild than) what both Russia and the U.S. have done repeatedly for decades.
But given the stakes involved, along with the incentives for error and/or deceit, no rational person should be willing to embrace these accusations as Truth unless and until convincing evidence has been publicly presented for review, which most certainly has not yet happened. As the above articles demonstrate, this week’s proffered “evidence” – the U.S. Government’s evidence-free report – should raise rather than dilute suspicions."
I'm also tires of Greenwald being propped up as some sort of liberal icon. The guy is an opportunist.
By KingGondo Go To PostWhat a nightmare.
Also, Jonathan Chait's writeup on Carlson and Greenwald's shameful display is worth reading.
It's also really worth examining what exactly the US gets out of a closer relationship with Russia. I don't see a lot of upside to cozying up. But then again I don't have massive investments there either.
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2016/12/24/trump-trying-to-fulfill-fantasy-of-teaming-up-with-russia-political-writer-says/
Read the article and it goes into how Trump has this theory that between America and Russia's nuke we could dominate the would outright (instead of soft power because politics are for politicians not fascists) I am almost sure the country that Russia and the US bully will be Iran..... maybe China but I doubt either has the balls for that level of a potential war.
Plus you know Trump Towers in Moscow so Trump will get more money.
By Zeus Ex Machina Go To Postwe could dominate the would outright (instead of soft power because politics are for politicians not fascists)"Soft power". I know the concept. In reality, the US might be the biggest empire in the history of mankind. You have hundreds of military bases all over the globe, you live in constant warfare, you developed technology that can kill at will without engaging troops, your reach is limitless, your budget is superior to those of the 10 next most militarized nations combined, you regularly overthrow governments, you give billions to fascists, yet somehow have leaders from both sides who find the audacity to speak the language of liberty and democracy.
There's nothing soft about it. You only get to be soft with the underlying possibility of you being hard. And the US exercises plenty of force.
By Gabyskra Go To Post"Soft power". I know the concept. In reality, the US might be the biggest empire in the history of mankind. You have hundreds of military bases all over the globe, you live in constant warfare, you developed technology that can kill at will without engaging troops, your reach is limitless, your budget is superior to those of the 10 next most militarized nations combined, you regularly overthrow governments, you give billions to fascists, yet somehow have leaders from both sides who find the audacity to speak the language of liberty and democracy.
There's nothing soft about it. You only get to be soft with the underlying possibility of you being hard. And the US exercises plenty of force.
I am not denying any of that. However, all of that is economic Hitman "take the silver or the bullet" situations which while horrible is still superior to "do this or we and Russia combine to nuke you" as high as the death toll is now imagine what happens to us as a species if we start outright tweeting to countries like Iran "submit or be nuked"?
Especially when the guy making the threat seems like the type that would get a boner from the idea he nuked people
By KingGondo Go To PostThe Trump era will make Obama's years look like "Imagine" by John Lennon.
Exactly, it was business as normal with killing people but at least they tried to cut back on innocent casualties and the Arab spring I feel was a legit attempt to remove dictators that unfortunately just fed into more radical (or unstable) governments.
Hell even the stuff Obama did to try and hold Israel accountable is probably going to be snuffed up by the Cheato in Charge. I am not saying we're good, but the potential for more evil was there and Trump seems like the type that will have no problem going full evil as long as he can make money from it.
Cuomo vetoes bill that would have required state to fund legal services for the poor
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/cuomo-vetoes-bill-requiring-n-y-fund-legal-services-poor-article-1.2930833
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/cuomo-vetoes-bill-requiring-n-y-fund-legal-services-poor-article-1.2930833
IWMTB: bows a good time for a 2017 thread. LMK if you're too busy to make it and I'll take care of it.
By Gabyskra Go To PostCuomo vetoes bill that would have required state to fund legal services for the poorMeanwhile, the state will find a way to pay for NYC's $6 billion subway expansion. Disgusting on the lack of priorities.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/cuomo-vetoes-bill-requiring-n-y-fund-legal-services-poor-article-1.2930833
By reilo Go To PostMeanwhile, the state will find a way to pay for NYC's $6 billion subway expansion. Disgusting on the lack of priorities.
One program will get him on "Good Day America" the other won't.....
But honestly this is the reason he hates deblasio so much. Cuomo's neoliberal ass would do scumbag stuff like this all the time if not for the fact that DeBlasio being more progressive makes him look like shit. You know what's DeBlasio's end of the year program was? A program to help connect people to free mental health resources 24/7.
By reilo Go To PostIs DeBlasio going to run for governor?
Nah I think he wants to run for President in 2020...... Keep in mind every democrat worth their salt wants that job. However, his meeting with Trump was completely for the Press so he could get in the front of being a national figure who is Anti Trump. Give Trump (or his handlers) credit they recognized that and decided to keep Preet Bharara as a US attorney who is investigating both Cuomo and DeBlasio for corruption. Both are on the short list of legit potential dem candidates in 2020 and any dirt that can be thrown on their name helps Trump...... That or Trump might pull a okie doke and nominate Bharara for the Supreme Court...... which is like at best 10% chance of happening so I assume that move was him trying to fuck over his enemies.
Also it would split the NY democratic party down the middle if DeBlasio made a run for Govenor and Cuomo would shit on him even harder if he thought that was a possibility at all. Though the fear of that happening is a part of why Cuomo begrudgingly looked into increasing minimum wage for the entire state, since his fear was DeBlasio could use that to get a foot hold up state by promising them a higher minimum income.
Also Cuomo was outright looking to find someone on the dem side to run for Mayor and everyone had enough sense to say nope since it would be pointless and do just as much damage (maybe more because NYC is so high profile and a repub could always win it) than if DeBlasio ran for Governor.
http://interactive.nydailynews.com/2016/10/inside-the-cuomo-deblasio-feud/
By KingGondo Go To PostMayor of NYC seems like a way better and more important job than gov.
It is, but Cuomo can put the screws to DeBlasio through the budget. However DeBlasio is likely better known than Cuomo and can apply preassure on Cuomo through the press because NYC is the news media center of the country. Like he did when DeBlasio said he wanted to raise the minimum wage to $15 and more or less forced the Cuomo to adapt the whole state to it because it would of thrown all of NY state out of flux if Cuomo hadnt
This Russian hacking story, as reported, always felt really ... off and now WaPo walking back their shit just really rubs me the wrong way as well.
This should be easy and really straight forward. Instead, this is just slop.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/russian-hackers-penetrated-us-electricity-grid-through-a-utility-in-vermont/2016/12/30/8fc90cc4-ceec-11e6-b8a2-8c2a61b0436f_story.html?utm_term=.281b89e8664c "oops, our bad"
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/vermont/2016/12/30/russia-hacked-us-grid-through-burlington-electric/96024326/
It always irked me that no one was really ready to put their name/career on this. I'm not even trying to be conspiracy brother or anything but this is really looking like convenient sensationalism.
This should be easy and really straight forward. Instead, this is just slop.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/russian-hackers-penetrated-us-electricity-grid-through-a-utility-in-vermont/2016/12/30/8fc90cc4-ceec-11e6-b8a2-8c2a61b0436f_story.html?utm_term=.281b89e8664c "oops, our bad"
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/vermont/2016/12/30/russia-hacked-us-grid-through-burlington-electric/96024326/
It always irked me that no one was really ready to put their name/career on this. I'm not even trying to be conspiracy brother or anything but this is really looking like convenient sensationalism.
None of this matters much. Its a dead issue in two months. Biggest thing right now is if the reds will handle Obama care repeal with any sort of finesse
By Dark PhaZe Go To PostNone of this matters much. Its a dead issue in two months. Biggest thing right now is if the reds will handle Obama care repeal with any sort of finesse
Republicans and Finesse
Hell even more pertinent Trump and Finesse
That's a oxymoron bro
By reilo Go To PostIWMTB: bows a good time for a 2017 thread. LMK if you're too busy to make it and I'll take care of it.
I have time for it, but I'm not sure what direction to take the OP.
By IWMTB19 Go To PostI have time for it, but I'm not sure what direction to take the OP.
Doom & Gloom
or
Tentative Doom & Gloom
By IWMTB19 Go To PostI have time for it, but I'm not sure what direction to take the OP.Make it a resource guide, pose some questions, add some important dates that cover 2017. That should do it. Keep it even.
Be honest about where we lean. Link to nonprofits or how to find them locally, SPLC and the like donation links, how to send letters to representatives, where to look up your local representatives and initiatives, important national petitions to sign, how to apply pressure. Solutions.
I'd also like it to be accessible to discussion about foreign politics as well. We got quite a large European presence and it'd be great if they could discuss politics local to them as well.
Also some literature links would be good. I gotta go read American Fascists by Chris Hedges. Applicable as ever.
I would also recommend mentioning the DNC election?
Its going to be interesting, with Clintonism officially pariahs (which is what Dem's almost always do to each other but whatever......) its going to be Obama vs' Bernie's supporters for the heart of the Party. It would be nice if they could play together...... but they wont.
Its going to be interesting, with Clintonism officially pariahs (which is what Dem's almost always do to each other but whatever......) its going to be Obama vs' Bernie's supporters for the heart of the Party. It would be nice if they could play together...... but they wont.
By reilo Go To PostI'd also like it to be accessible to discussion about foreign politics as well. We got quite a large European presence and it'd be great if they could discuss politics local to them as well.
I always wondered wouldn't a dedicated world events & politics thread be a better idea.
By Dark PhaZe Go To PostNone of this matters much. Its a dead issue in two months. Biggest thing right now is if the reds will handle Obama care repeal with any sort of finesseIts a big deal imo because the "Fake News" stuff actually had bills passed already.
People want to focus on alt-sites and stuff but nobody cares when the prestigious do dumb shit like this.
By Zeus Ex Machina Go To PostI always wondered wouldn't a dedicated world events & politics thread be a better idea.
It would definitely be a change of pace. America has whored itself to clickbait and hot takes for so long that it seems incapable of creating any positive news or sense of hope despite the actual size of the planet where it resides.
By reilo Go To PostHouse Oversight Committee was just gutted today. So, yeah.
Holy Shit..... damn .... I think I need to go to law school because I want to be at the forefront when its time to put those bastards in jail
but in all seriousness
We're fucked. The Republicans know they can't win democratically so they are gonna pull a jim crow 2.0 to try and keep all us damn liberals (aka the majority of the country) out of power.
By Phoenix RISING Go To PostIt would definitely be a change of pace. America has whored itself to clickbait and hot takes for so long that it seems incapable of creating any positive news or sense of hope despite the actual size of the planet where it resides.
The world is fucked too. Trust me Brexit happened before Trump. The only real reason is I want to have a better understanding of them as well. With Trump in charge I expect a lot more shit to fly back to our shore sent express by Putin ..... Its going to be horrible but I rather see it coming.
By reilo Go To PostI'd also like it to be accessible to discussion about foreign politics as well. We got quite a large European presence and it'd be great if they could discuss politics local to them as well.Latin America politics are relevant too pls
By Elchele Go To PostLatin America politics are relevant too plsArguably ultra relevant since the US has fucked with this hemisphere hard.
is anyone on this board from Africa? Specifically Nigeria. That's my "get the fuck out of America" country right behind Canada and Costa Rica
By Zeus Ex Machina Go To Postis anyone on this board from Africa? Specifically Nigeria. That's my "get the fuck out of America" country right behind Canada and Costa RicaI doubt Nigeria is anywhere better than USA or any other place in the continent for that matter.
San José, CR is the shittiest city I've been in my entire life. Just depressing.
By DY_nasty Go To PostPeople want to focus on alt-sites and stuff but nobody cares when the prestigious do dumb shit like this.I'm sure lots of people read this argument already, but discussing "fake news" starts with discussing how WaPo and NYT talked about WMDs, the Iraq war, etc. So yes, it matters. Especially when you see the anti-Greenwald backlash that came immediately. Get ready for years of centrists saying "extremes meet", as they'll argue that Sanders and Trump are the same thing.
By Zeus Ex Machina Go To Postis anyone on this board from Africa? Specifically Nigeria. That's my "get the fuck out of America" country right behind Canada and Costa RicaWhy Nigeria?
Trump tweeted criticism of congress and their focus on the independent ethics stuff--I'm willing to be fair about what he does and I'm happy he holds this opinion
By Dark PhaZe Go To PostTrump tweeted criticism of congress and their focus on the independent ethics stuff–I'm willing to be fair about what he does and I'm happy he holds this opinionHe called the committee "unfair." He isn't standing up for its existence, he's calling the timing bad and telling them to get rid of it later.
By rodeoclown Go To PostHe called the committee "unfair." He isn't standing up for its existence, he's calling the timing bad and telling them to get rid of it later.
Regardless, he's essentially saying it's not something they should be doing right now and I believe that's a positive.
By Dark PhaZe Go To PostRegardless, he's essentially saying it's not something they should be doing right now and I believe that's a positive.
Well you know Papa's got to eat first. Once he is getting his they can of course get there's. Or this is an easy target for him to look like he is cleaning the swamp in a 140!characters that actually mean nothing.
By Perfect Blue Go To PostWhy Nigeria?
I know a few Nigerians and I remember a few years ago Nigeria was on the list of rapidly developing countries. I know it's bad with civil strife, tribal politics, and corruption...... but outside of infrastructure is that that much worse than America right now?
By Elchele Go To PostI doubt Nigeria is anywhere better than USA or any other place in the continent for that matter.
San José, CR is the shittiest city I've been in my entire life. Just depressing.
I know that about Nigeria but like I said "rapidly developing"...... Costa Rica was purely based on I have hooked up with a few Costa Rican women over the years...... but I didn't know that about San Jose which is a perfect reason to have a world affairs thread.
By Zeus Ex Machina Go To Postis anyone on this board from Africa? Specifically Nigeria. That's my "get the fuck out of America" country right behind Canada and Costa Rica
Costa Rica is nice. Language can be a barrier. If you retain US citizenship you can still own property there as well, you just can't start a business unless you partner with a Native Costa Rican.
San Jose is shitty. The Country is nothing like that city.
Trump could be president for the next 40 years and I wouldn't go back to Jamaica or any other third world country for that matter. The fuck?
By p s y Go To PostTrump could be president for the next 40 years and I wouldn't go back to Jamaica or any other third world country for that matter. The fuck?
That's never been my plan. I always wanted to retire (back when I thought I could experience retirement....) to somewhere in the Caribbean or South America......
Now I am just looking at my exit to be a little earlier.
By p s y Go To PostTrump could be president for the next 40 years and I wouldn't go back to Jamaica or any other third world country for that matter. The fuck?Yea I'm never going back to Bosnia. My only very slim hope is that Bosnia gets admitted into the EU (their application was accepted) and I can get dual citizenship and live anywhere in the EU.