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"Everything is a distraction from something much, much worse"

brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
in A Moving Train
Exactly what I and other have been thinking/saying for a while now.  Please read and consider:

"Americans, you need to start paying attention. Like, really paying attention — to the issues that actually matter.  Stop getting distracted! Take this Russian collusion nonsense. Lots of Americans are obsessed with it, but it’s just a shiny distraction.  Yeah, sure, it looks as though members of the Trump campaign lied repeatedly, including on live TV and in Senate testimony and on security clearance forms about their contacts with Russians. It looks as though they may have been eager to get their hands on possibly illegally obtained information from a hostile nation. “I love it,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote when offered dirt on Hillary Clinton explicitly offered as “part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump.”

But that’s merely what the nine-dimensional-chess players in the White House want you to be obsessing over. Focusing on the terrible things Team Trump did during the campaign and transition conveniently distracts you from all the terrible things Team Trump is doing during the presidency."

The administration is repealing consumer and environmental protections left and right. The Education Department is making it easier for for-profit colleges to defraud students. The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed an air pollution rule that the agency had determined would likely prevent the poisoning of children. The Trump deregulatory team is rife with former lobbyists and others who have conflicts of interest.  President Trump and his family members likewise appear to be financially benefiting from his role in the White House.

Yet fussing over regulatory decisions and vaguely sleazy behavior is itself a distraction from an even more important issue: the fact that Republicans are trying to remake one-sixth of the U.S. economy, largely in secret, while ripping health insurance away from 22 million Americans."

Read more here:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/everything-is-a-distraction-from-something-much-much-worse/2017/07/13/a42384e0-6809-11e7-a1d7-9a32c91c6f40_story.html?tid=sm_fb&utm_term=.167c6325b19b














“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













Comments

  • bootlegger10bootlegger10 Posts: 15,942
    edited July 2017

    The writer should have included the unelected leaders that are truly the ones shaping our future:  Google, Amazon, Facebook.    I am so glad that I live now before the world goes to digital shit completely. 

  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    bootlegger10 said:

    The writer should have included the unelected leaders that are truly the ones shaping our future:  Google, Amazon, Facebook.    I am so glad that I live now before the world goes to digital shit completely. 

    Google, Amazon and Facebook are a reflection of who we are and who we are becoming, that is true, but they are not shaping our future.  There are much more powerful forces out there.  But this has little to do with the article.  Did you read it?
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    I told my wife about this article and I said, "It's like someone's house is on fire and they're more worried about having ants in the kitchen." 
    She said, "Exactly!"
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • BentleyspopBentleyspop Posts: 10,765
    brianlux said:
    bootlegger10 said:

    The writer should have included the unelected leaders that are truly the ones shaping our future:  Google, Amazon, Facebook.    I am so glad that I live now before the world goes to digital shit completely. 

    Google, Amazon and Facebook are a reflection of who we are and who we are becoming, that is true, but they are not shaping our future.  There are much more powerful forces out there.  But this has little to do with the article.  Did you read it?
    Much more powerful forces?
    Like ZOG?
    NWO?
    The Rothschilds?
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    Bentleyspop said:
    brianlux said:
    bootlegger10 said:

    The writer should have included the unelected leaders that are truly the ones shaping our future:  Google, Amazon, Facebook.    I am so glad that I live now before the world goes to digital shit completely. 

    Google, Amazon and Facebook are a reflection of who we are and who we are becoming, that is true, but they are not shaping our future.  There are much more powerful forces out there.  But this has little to do with the article.  Did you read it?
    Much more powerful forces?
    Like ZOG?
    NWO?
    The Rothschilds?
    LOL. "forces" was a weak choice of words.   
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    edited July 2017
    Let's not be afraid or uncomfortable talking about the subject of this article.  It's serious stuff, for sure.
    Post edited by brianlux on
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,950
    edited July 2017
    I think many are aware of this, and it's the media who are allowing the loud shit overpower the most important shit. It is unfortunate (not that a lot of the loud shit isn't important too, a lot of the time BTW! It's not so much that that isn't what we should be paying attention to. We just need to be paying attention to MORE stuff). I don't blame the media 100% for such a narrow offering of news. It is ultimately the fault of the consumers. it's not like the news media hasn't tried to cover the more important but less exciting and juicy content... the consumers weren't consuming it enough though. They chose the more spectacular offerings, which shapes the media and dictates what they focus on. Yes, the media should have perseverered, but consumers still caused the problem at the end of the day IMO .... It's at times like this that I'm very grateful for social media, where all the issues come up and we have the option to pay attention, not just the main talking points. That isn't the case with TV sources, op-ed programs, etc. Also, I feel like this problem is more an American problem than it is an international one (in a very general sense, obviously). I feel like people around the world are perhaps a little more cognizant of the issues you're talking about because the international news media is rather more responsible than the American news media is a lot of the time, and somewhat less sensationalized. I guess that bit of detachment from the whole crazy deal helps people see the bigger picture a little more clearly.
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    PJ_Soul said:
    I think many are aware of this, and it's the media who are allowing the loud shit overpower the most important shit. It is unfortunate (not that a lot of the loud shit isn't important too, a lot of the time BTW! It's not so much that that isn't what we should be paying attention to. We just need to be paying attention to MORE stuff). I don't blame the media 100% for such a narrow offering of news. It is ultimately the fault of the consumers. it's not like the news media hasn't tried to cover the more important but less exciting and juicy content... the consumers weren't consuming it enough though. They chose the more spectacular offerings, which shapes the media and dictates what they focus on. Yes, the media should have perseverered, but consumers still caused the problem at the end of the day IMO .... It's at times like this that I'm very grateful for social media, where all the issues come up and we have the option to pay attention, not just the main talking points. That isn't the case with TV sources, op-ed programs, etc. Also, I feel like this problem is more an American problem than it is an international one (in a very general sense, obviously). I feel like people around the world are perhaps a little more cognizant of the issues you're talking about because the international news media is rather more responsible than the American news media is a lot of the time, and somewhat less sensationalized. I guess that bit of detachment from the whole crazy deal helps people see the bigger picture a little more clearly.
    We Americans certainly love a liberal dose of sensationalism (be it liberal or conservative, lol) in our news.  It's so much easier to deal with distraction than it is to prioritize and solve.
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • bootlegger10bootlegger10 Posts: 15,942
    edited July 2017
    brianlux said:
    bootlegger10 said:

    The writer should have included the unelected leaders that are truly the ones shaping our future:  Google, Amazon, Facebook.    I am so glad that I live now before the world goes to digital shit completely. 

    Google, Amazon and Facebook are a reflection of who we are and who we are becoming, that is true, but they are not shaping our future.  There are much more powerful forces out there.  But this has little to do with the article.  Did you read it?

    I read it. I wasn't disagreeing.  I just think companies that are doing everything they can to make sure there are no jobs in 30 years for a good chunk of the population and that wealth rises even faster to the 1% should be scrutinized a little. 
  • benjsbenjs Posts: 9,144
    bootlegger10 said:
    brianlux said:
    bootlegger10 said:

    The writer should have included the unelected leaders that are truly the ones shaping our future:  Google, Amazon, Facebook.    I am so glad that I live now before the world goes to digital shit completely. 

    Google, Amazon and Facebook are a reflection of who we are and who we are becoming, that is true, but they are not shaping our future.  There are much more powerful forces out there.  But this has little to do with the article.  Did you read it?

    I read it. I wasn't disagreeing.  I just think companies that are doing everything they can to make sure there are no jobs in 30 years for a good chunk of the population and that wealth rises even faster to the 1% should be scrutinized a little. 
    If you're referring to machine learning and automation, only the naive think the impact will only be felt by tradespersons and unskilled workers. AI has the potential to affect jobs on all levels. That said, I personally think that criticizing companies who want to save costs by utilizing technology in lieu of humans is backwards.

    I say that logic courses and programming ought to be part of any standard high school curriculum. I'd also say law and statistics should be too, as these will all be invaluable to approximating human thought and decision-making in computers. Governments would also be wise to subsidize adult learning for these courses, as otherwise an unemployment epidemic will likely be a reality.

    With the era of AI rapidly approaching, our jobs will be increasingly designing logic and decision streams for machines. 
    '05 - TO, '06 - TO 1, '08 - NYC 1 & 2, '09 - TO, Chi 1 & 2, '10 - Buffalo, NYC 1 & 2, '11 - TO 1 & 2, Hamilton, '13 - Buffalo, Brooklyn 1 & 2, '15 - Global Citizen, '16 - TO 1 & 2, Chi 2

    EV
    Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,950
    edited July 2017
    bootlegger10 said:
    brianlux said:
    bootlegger10 said:

    The writer should have included the unelected leaders that are truly the ones shaping our future:  Google, Amazon, Facebook.    I am so glad that I live now before the world goes to digital shit completely. 

    Google, Amazon and Facebook are a reflection of who we are and who we are becoming, that is true, but they are not shaping our future.  There are much more powerful forces out there.  But this has little to do with the article.  Did you read it?

    I read it. I wasn't disagreeing.  I just think companies that are doing everything they can to make sure there are no jobs in 30 years for a good chunk of the population and that wealth rises even faster to the 1% should be scrutinized a little. 
    Amazon created 110,000 jobs just in the last year alone ... But in any case, I understand what you mean, but the solution is for work forces to adapt to advancing technologies and what they mean to society, not the other way around. As Brian said, education and training needs to adapt to the businesses and technological advancement. That is the only possible way to proceed. Otherwise you are asking companies and innovators to stop progress and innovation just to maintain inefficiencies so workers can keep doing things that are outdated. That doesn't make sense. It is possible for technology to progress and not put everyone out of work. The nature of the work that people are doing just has to change with the times. This is, of course, a huge topic that reaches so many aspects of society and government.
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    bootlegger10 said:
    brianlux said:
    bootlegger10 said:

    The writer should have included the unelected leaders that are truly the ones shaping our future:  Google, Amazon, Facebook.    I am so glad that I live now before the world goes to digital shit completely. 

    Google, Amazon and Facebook are a reflection of who we are and who we are becoming, that is true, but they are not shaping our future.  There are much more powerful forces out there.  But this has little to do with the article.  Did you read it?

    I read it. I wasn't disagreeing.  I just think companies that are doing everything they can to make sure there are no jobs in 30 years for a good chunk of the population and that wealth rises even faster to the 1% should be scrutinized a little. 
    OK, sorry I misunderstood.  Good point!
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,950
    edited July 2017
    brianlux said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    I think many are aware of this, and it's the media who are allowing the loud shit overpower the most important shit. It is unfortunate (not that a lot of the loud shit isn't important too, a lot of the time BTW! It's not so much that that isn't what we should be paying attention to. We just need to be paying attention to MORE stuff). I don't blame the media 100% for such a narrow offering of news. It is ultimately the fault of the consumers. it's not like the news media hasn't tried to cover the more important but less exciting and juicy content... the consumers weren't consuming it enough though. They chose the more spectacular offerings, which shapes the media and dictates what they focus on. Yes, the media should have perseverered, but consumers still caused the problem at the end of the day IMO .... It's at times like this that I'm very grateful for social media, where all the issues come up and we have the option to pay attention, not just the main talking points. That isn't the case with TV sources, op-ed programs, etc. Also, I feel like this problem is more an American problem than it is an international one (in a very general sense, obviously). I feel like people around the world are perhaps a little more cognizant of the issues you're talking about because the international news media is rather more responsible than the American news media is a lot of the time, and somewhat less sensationalized. I guess that bit of detachment from the whole crazy deal helps people see the bigger picture a little more clearly.
    We Americans certainly love a liberal dose of sensationalism (be it liberal or conservative, lol) in our news.  It's so much easier to deal with distraction than it is to prioritize and solve.
    It does seem that way.
    To be clear though, I think most of the big stories right now are very important news stories. The Russia thing is a big deal. Trump's behaviour is a very big deal. Politicians acting crazy and white nationalists in the WH are a huge deal (and that is not being covered enough IMO).... It's just that so many other stories are too, and we're not getting enough of those "fed" to us, and since there are only so many hours in the day, it would be great if the media would curate the stories more evenly instead of just packing the day with the minutiae of only one or two of the most sensational. Poeple aren't being informed anywhere near enough about policy changes and legislation and the stuff that actually affects them day to day - I keep reading so many stories online that have huge consequences and nobody even knows it's happening. Nobody is paying close enough attention to what the government is actually getting done - all too focused on what they are constantly fucking up.
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    Creating jobs is important.  I'd say creating jobs where we actually do something worthwhile is even more important like, say, working at creating alternative energy, cleaning up the trash and pollution, actually curing cancer and other disease or a finding better ways to prevent them, preserving wilderness and wildlife, working as liaisons to countries we are at odds with to increase the chances of peace.  And all sorts of other jobs that would be good for us and the planet.  But not enough of this is happening because it all goes back to the premise of this thread and the article at the top which is about the distractions  we are allowing to get in the way of true progress. 
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,950
    edited July 2017
    maybe it's less that they are distractions in a lot of cases (I think some of those so-called distractions are also important to know about). Maybe it's that people need to learn to have a much less narrow focus, or grow their attention spans? It's not like all the things you are talking about can't be done while we are still exposed to the "distractions" as well. I think this may be a case of people just smartening up and widening their world views? I think that has to be the case, because I don't think ignoring government collusion with Russia or the POTUS acting insane in favour of other things is a reasonable option either. I think people just need to widen their view. It's like a mindset.... The BIG problem is really that America is now largely run by people who actually couldn't care less about anybody but themselves, so nobody should be looking to them for anything at all. That is why Bernie Sanders is so very right in his message. Grass roots is the only option to America right now and then somehow injecting that into the standing government, unless you just want bullshit. SO the problem is that it's hard to both focus on all the "distractions", which actually still need attention, as well as on all the rest of it - the things you're talking about. That's not so easy obviously... It seems to me that big positive change requires a majority of people to be on board.... I just don't see that happening anytime soon. :frowning:
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • PJfanwillneverleave1PJfanwillneverleave1 Posts: 12,885
    edited July 2017
    brianlux said:
    Exactly what I and other have been thinking/saying for a while now.  Please read and consider:

    "Americans, you need to start paying attention. Like, really paying attention — to the issues that actually matter.  Stop getting distracted! Take this Russian collusion nonsense. Lots of Americans are obsessed with it, but it’s just a shiny distraction.  Yeah, sure, it looks as though members of the Trump campaign lied repeatedly, including on live TV and in Senate testimony and on security clearance forms about their contacts with Russians. It looks as though they may have been eager to get their hands on possibly illegally obtained information from a hostile nation. “I love it,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote when offered dirt on Hillary Clinton explicitly offered as “part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump.”

    But that’s merely what the nine-dimensional-chess players in the White House want you to be obsessing over. Focusing on the terrible things Team Trump did during the campaign and transition conveniently distracts you from all the terrible things Team Trump is doing during the presidency."

    The administration is repealing consumer and environmental protections left and right. The Education Department is making it easier for for-profit colleges to defraud students. The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed an air pollution rule that the agency had determined would likely prevent the poisoning of children. The Trump deregulatory team is rife with former lobbyists and others who have conflicts of interest.  President Trump and his family members likewise appear to be financially benefiting from his role in the White House.

    Yet fussing over regulatory decisions and vaguely sleazy behavior is itself a distraction from an even more important issue: the fact that Republicans are trying to remake one-sixth of the U.S. economy, largely in secret, while ripping health insurance away from 22 million Americans."

    Read more here:

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/everything-is-a-distraction-from-something-much-much-worse/2017/07/13/a42384e0-6809-11e7-a1d7-9a32c91c6f40_story.html?tid=sm_fb&utm_term=.167c6325b19b

    What I gather is that all players are on the chessboard and the dems want more dimensions.
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    PJ_Soul said:
    maybe it's less that they are distractions in a lot of cases (I think some of those so-called distractions are also important to know about). Maybe it's that people need to learn to have a much less narrow focus, or grow their attention spans? It's not like all the things you are talking about can't be done while we are still exposed to the "distractions" as well. I think this may be a case of people just smartening up and widening their world views? I think that has to be the case, because I don't think ignoring government collusion with Russia or the POTUS acting insane in favour of other things is a reasonable option either. I think people just need to widen their view. It's like a mindset.... The BIG problem is really that America is now largely run by people who actually couldn't care less about anybody but themselves, so nobody should be looking to them for anything at all. That is why Bernie Sanders is so very right in his message. Grass roots is the only option to America right now and then somehow injecting that into the standing government, unless you just want bullshit. SO the problem is that it's hard to both focus on all the "distractions", which actually still need attention, as well as on all the rest of it - the things you're talking about. That's not so easy obviously... It seems to me that big positive change requires a majority of people to be on board.... I just don't see that happening anytime soon. :frowning:
    I'm not convinced that the collusion with Russia is as real as the media, particularly the New York Times, makes it out to be but for arguments sake, let's say it is.  I still think the emphasis on that subject is distracting from more serious problems and that's where you idea of people having a "much less narrow focus" would be very wise.  But I don't think a lot of the media OR the current admin wants that to happen. 
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • JC29856JC29856 Posts: 9,617
    W, Obomba, 5 Deferment Don
    appearance style and mannerisms, differ greatly, foreign policy, not so much

    US bombed a girl's school in Kunduz, Afghanistan today.
  • tbergstbergs Posts: 9,810
    JC29856 said:
    W, Obomba, 5 Deferment Don
    appearance style and mannerisms, differ greatly, foreign policy, not so much

    US bombed a girl's school in Kunduz, Afghanistan today.
    You mean this:

    http://1tvnews.af/en/news/afghanistan/30213-coalition-airstrike-hits-afghan-school-in-kunduz-city

    Careful with your headline.
    It's a hopeless situation...
  • WhatYouTaughtMeWhatYouTaughtMe Posts: 4,957
    edited July 2017
    brianlux said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    maybe it's less that they are distractions in a lot of cases (I think some of those so-called distractions are also important to know about). Maybe it's that people need to learn to have a much less narrow focus, or grow their attention spans? It's not like all the things you are talking about can't be done while we are still exposed to the "distractions" as well. I think this may be a case of people just smartening up and widening their world views? I think that has to be the case, because I don't think ignoring government collusion with Russia or the POTUS acting insane in favour of other things is a reasonable option either. I think people just need to widen their view. It's like a mindset.... The BIG problem is really that America is now largely run by people who actually couldn't care less about anybody but themselves, so nobody should be looking to them for anything at all. That is why Bernie Sanders is so very right in his message. Grass roots is the only option to America right now and then somehow injecting that into the standing government, unless you just want bullshit. SO the problem is that it's hard to both focus on all the "distractions", which actually still need attention, as well as on all the rest of it - the things you're talking about. That's not so easy obviously... It seems to me that big positive change requires a majority of people to be on board.... I just don't see that happening anytime soon. :frowning:
    I'm not convinced that the collusion with Russia is as real as the media, particularly the New York Times, makes it out to be but for arguments sake, let's say it is.  I still think the emphasis on that subject is distracting from more serious problems and that's where you idea of people having a "much less narrow focus" would be very wise.  But I don't think a lot of the media OR the current admin wants that to happen. 
    I agree to an extent, but as long as the administration continues to lie and change the story I think it it is important to shine a light on. In fact, there is no reason for the media to not shine a light on everything. Information is readily available everywhere and you're right, they should broaden their focus to include every ass backwards thing this administration does. I don't think they should ignore the Russia issue though. What is the alternative? Just ignore the lies and write it off as a distraction tactic? Then we start to normalize the bullshit. They need to be called out on every single lie, every single time. Trivial or not.

    Edit - maybe admin wasn't the right word. As long as anyone involved continues to throw out bullshit answers. Family members, lawyers etc...
    Post edited by WhatYouTaughtMe on
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    WhatYouTaughtMe said:
    brianlux said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    maybe it's less that they are distractions in a lot of cases (I think some of those so-called distractions are also important to know about). Maybe it's that people need to learn to have a much less narrow focus, or grow their attention spans? It's not like all the things you are talking about can't be done while we are still exposed to the "distractions" as well. I think this may be a case of people just smartening up and widening their world views? I think that has to be the case, because I don't think ignoring government collusion with Russia or the POTUS acting insane in favour of other things is a reasonable option either. I think people just need to widen their view. It's like a mindset.... The BIG problem is really that America is now largely run by people who actually couldn't care less about anybody but themselves, so nobody should be looking to them for anything at all. That is why Bernie Sanders is so very right in his message. Grass roots is the only option to America right now and then somehow injecting that into the standing government, unless you just want bullshit. SO the problem is that it's hard to both focus on all the "distractions", which actually still need attention, as well as on all the rest of it - the things you're talking about. That's not so easy obviously... It seems to me that big positive change requires a majority of people to be on board.... I just don't see that happening anytime soon. :frowning:
    I'm not convinced that the collusion with Russia is as real as the media, particularly the New York Times, makes it out to be but for arguments sake, let's say it is.  I still think the emphasis on that subject is distracting from more serious problems and that's where you idea of people having a "much less narrow focus" would be very wise.  But I don't think a lot of the media OR the current admin wants that to happen. 
    I agree to an extent, but as long as the administration continues to lie and change the story I think it it is important to shine a light on. In fact, there is no reason for the media to not shine a light on everything. Information is readily available everywhere and you're right, they should broaden their focus to include every ass backwards thing this administration does. I don't think they should ignore the Russia issue though. What is the alternative? Just ignore the lies and write it off as a distraction tactic? Then we start to normalize the bullshit. They need to be called out on every single lie, every single time. Trivial or not.

    Edit - maybe admin wasn't the right word. As long as anyone involved continues to throw out bullshit answers. Family members, lawyers etc...
    No, that issue certainly should not be ignored, but there are much worse things going on that I would say warrant more attention like 10 women and children in Aleppo being killed each day by U.S. air strikes.

    And environment- good God, look what DT's administration is doing/ has done is just half a year:

    -Cancels protection of whales from fishing nets
    -Planning the reduction of Big Bear National Monument and possible others
    -Pulling protection from endangered species
    -Pulling U.S. out of Paris Agreement
    -Steep cuts to environmental protection
    -EPA dismissal of science advisors
    -EPA scrubs climate change website
    -Wants to expand offshore oil drilling
    -Wants to reject ban on dangerous pesticides
    -Wants to ease fuel efficiency standards
    -Cutting science and environment budgets
    -EPA removes the word "science" from its mission statement
    -Repeals federal prohibition of lead ammunition on federal lands and waters
    -Wants to reduce clean water act
    -Confirms oil friendly Pruitt as EPA chief
    -Reduces restrictions on dumping mining waste into surrounding waterways
    -Confirms oil exec Tillerson as secretary of state
    -Pro XL and Dakota oil pipelines

    And no doubt there are some I missed. 

    So that's just two major issues that I believe are far more important than the Russia issue- killing of women and children and many major slashes to environmental protection.

    Please, let's get our priorities straight. 




    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,950
    edited July 2017
    I still think that a completely corrupt government needs to be pretty high on the priorities list. Their corruption and bullshit informs all the things on your list Brian; I feel like you may be underestimating the far-reaching implications of the whole Russia thing. Again, people and the media just need to widen their optics, not de-prioritize one of the most important stories. I mean, this Russia thing is right up there with Watergate, so I just don't feel comfortable with the idea that it shouldn't be a huge thing. I do 100% agree that a lot of other things aren't getting anywhere near enough attention though. I just don't think you necessarily have to pick and choose here. Our brains are big enough to focus on all of them, if we care to. And god knows the media could widen their coverage without detracting from Russia/corruption coverage.
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    PJ_Soul said:
    I still think that a completely corrupt government needs to be pretty high on the priorities list. Their corruption and bullshit informs all the things on your list Brian; I feel like you may be underestimating the far-reaching implications of the whole Russia thing. Again, people and the media just need to widen their optics, not de-prioritize one of the most important stories. I mean, this Russia thing is right up there with Watergate, so I just don't feel comfortable with the idea that it shouldn't be a huge thing. I do 100% agree that a lot of other things aren't getting anywhere near enough attention though. I just don't think you necessarily have to pick and choose here. Our brains are big enough to focus on all of them, if we care to. And god knows the media could widen their coverage without detracting from Russia/corruption coverage.
    The investigation is ongoing, it hasn't proved much of anything yet.  It  may get proven eventually.  Few doubt the involvement of corruption in politics.  And that goes for both U.S. major parties, and many elsewhere.  That's a given

    But again, this misses my point.  When I look at various news sources, see what people are talking about on social media, look at what is talked about the most her on AMT, etc., the Russia issue is mostly what we see talked about.  The other issues get glossed over.  They aren't as exciting, I guess. 

    And maybe Trump will get ousted after all and that will leave us with a president Pence who will be a continuum factor in the aforementioned problems we face, only we will have lost more time in dealing with them and come closer to shoving ourselves into extinction with the majority of all other large animals.  The more cynical side of me sometimes thinks this would be the best thing for this  trashed planet.  The other side of me hopes we can put more focus on the immediate problems and do something about it.  But I have to tell you, my optimism that way is waning.
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,950
    edited July 2017
    brianlux said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    I still think that a completely corrupt government needs to be pretty high on the priorities list. Their corruption and bullshit informs all the things on your list Brian; I feel like you may be underestimating the far-reaching implications of the whole Russia thing. Again, people and the media just need to widen their optics, not de-prioritize one of the most important stories. I mean, this Russia thing is right up there with Watergate, so I just don't feel comfortable with the idea that it shouldn't be a huge thing. I do 100% agree that a lot of other things aren't getting anywhere near enough attention though. I just don't think you necessarily have to pick and choose here. Our brains are big enough to focus on all of them, if we care to. And god knows the media could widen their coverage without detracting from Russia/corruption coverage.
    The investigation is ongoing, it hasn't proved much of anything yet.  It  may get proven eventually.  Few doubt the involvement of corruption in politics.  And that goes for both U.S. major parties, and many elsewhere.  That's a given

    But again, this misses my point.  When I look at various news sources, see what people are talking about on social media, look at what is talked about the most her on AMT, etc., the Russia issue is mostly what we see talked about.  The other issues get glossed over.  They aren't as exciting, I guess. 

    And maybe Trump will get ousted after all and that will leave us with a president Pence who will be a continuum factor in the aforementioned problems we face, only we will have lost more time in dealing with them and come closer to shoving ourselves into extinction with the majority of all other large animals.  The more cynical side of me sometimes thinks this would be the best thing for this  trashed planet.  The other side of me hopes we can put more focus on the immediate problems and do something about it.  But I have to tell you, my optimism that way is waning.
    Well you seem to be glossing over the smoking gun that Trump Jr posted to the world last week... But anyway, I don't think that it's not as exciting Brian. It's that people feel helpless and hopeless about them. As I already said, the public and media have no effect on those other issues. No control over how they go at this point. That isn't true with the corruption and collusion, because the story IS what the public and the media point out and investigate. As for the AMT... same thing, really. What should we be saying about all those things, beyond what has already been said? The whole Trump/Twitter/Russia/bullshit thing is what all the posts are about because it is the one thing that is a constantly moving target. All those other issues are ones that I think have all been bemoaned and mourned on the AMT, but... then what? If you think more could and should be said, then please keep the conversation going! I personally feel like I've said everything that can be said about them for now... namely, "We're all fucked. Wtf America, what were you thinking?? Thank god I don't have kids." But anyway, here we are talking about how these things maybe could be talked about more... What more would you like to say?:

    Question: If the news decided to dedicate 20% of its coverage on, say, the fact that the government has cut the science and environmental protections budget, how do you think that would actually have an effect on it? (although FWIW, I see a LOT of what you listed above on social media Brian. No, it's not big on CNN, FOX, et al... but I don't watch those networks. Therefore, I don't feel that all those other issues are getting as little attention as you are saying. Maybe if everyone just turned off the major American news networks and went to all the other sources, this problem would fix itself? Although the problem would remain: wtf are we supposed to do about it again? What is there to say besides "fuuuuuuuuuuuuck"?
    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • JC29856JC29856 Posts: 9,617
    tbergs said:
    JC29856 said:
    W, Obomba, 5 Deferment Don
    appearance style and mannerisms, differ greatly, foreign policy, not so much

    US bombed a girl's school in Kunduz, Afghanistan today.
    You mean this:

    http://1tvnews.af/en/news/afghanistan/30213-coalition-airstrike-hits-afghan-school-in-kunduz-city

    Careful with your headline.
    headline?  
  • brianluxbrianlux Posts: 42,031
    PJ_Soul said:
    brianlux said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    I still think that a completely corrupt government needs to be pretty high on the priorities list. Their corruption and bullshit informs all the things on your list Brian; I feel like you may be underestimating the far-reaching implications of the whole Russia thing. Again, people and the media just need to widen their optics, not de-prioritize one of the most important stories. I mean, this Russia thing is right up there with Watergate, so I just don't feel comfortable with the idea that it shouldn't be a huge thing. I do 100% agree that a lot of other things aren't getting anywhere near enough attention though. I just don't think you necessarily have to pick and choose here. Our brains are big enough to focus on all of them, if we care to. And god knows the media could widen their coverage without detracting from Russia/corruption coverage.
    The investigation is ongoing, it hasn't proved much of anything yet.  It  may get proven eventually.  Few doubt the involvement of corruption in politics.  And that goes for both U.S. major parties, and many elsewhere.  That's a given

    But again, this misses my point.  When I look at various news sources, see what people are talking about on social media, look at what is talked about the most her on AMT, etc., the Russia issue is mostly what we see talked about.  The other issues get glossed over.  They aren't as exciting, I guess. 

    And maybe Trump will get ousted after all and that will leave us with a president Pence who will be a continuum factor in the aforementioned problems we face, only we will have lost more time in dealing with them and come closer to shoving ourselves into extinction with the majority of all other large animals.  The more cynical side of me sometimes thinks this would be the best thing for this  trashed planet.  The other side of me hopes we can put more focus on the immediate problems and do something about it.  But I have to tell you, my optimism that way is waning.
    Well you seem to be glossing over the smoking gun that Trump Jr posted to the world last week... But anyway, I don't think that it's not as exciting Brian. It's that people feel helpless and hopeless about them. As I already said, the public and media have no effect on those other issues. No control over how they go at this point. That isn't true with the corruption and collusion, because the story IS what the public and the media point out and investigate. As for the AMT... same thing, really. What should we be saying about all those things, beyond what has already been said? The whole Trump/Twitter/Russia/bullshit thing is what all the posts are about because it is the one thing that is a constantly moving target. All those other issues are ones that I think have all been bemoaned and mourned on the AMT, but... then what? If you think more could and should be said, then please keep the conversation going! I personally feel like I've said everything that can be said about them for now... namely, "We're all fucked. Wtf America, what were you thinking?? Thank god I don't have kids." But anyway, here we are talking about how these things maybe could be talked about more... What more would you like to say?:

    Question: If the news decided to dedicate 20% of its coverage on, say, the fact that the government has cut the science and environmental protections budget, how do you think that would actually have an effect on it? (although FWIW, I see a LOT of what you listed above on social media Brian. No, it's not big on CNN, FOX, et al... but I don't watch those networks. Therefore, I don't feel that all those other issues are getting as little attention as you are saying. Maybe if everyone just turned off the major American news networks and went to all the other sources, this problem would fix itself? Although the problem would remain: wtf are we supposed to do about it again? What is there to say besides "fuuuuuuuuuuuuck"?
    Phew- lots of points/good stuff here.  Let's take them one at a time:

    "people feel helpless and hopeless", "he public and media have no effect on those other issues. No control over how they go..."
    I think we can make a difference by prioritizing, voting with our dollars, and though they do only a little, phone calls and succinct notes to our representatives take little time and add up.

    "As for the AMT...  What should we be saying about all those things, beyond what has already been said?"
    Maybe talk more about what we are doing (see above) and sharing ideas about what to do rather than just complaining (that's also a note-to-self!)

    "We're all fucked. Wtf America, what were you thinking?? Thank god I don't have kids."
    Same here.  I love my extended family kids, I have friends who have great kids, but I'm glad I did not reproduce.  No misgivings there.

    "If the news decided to dedicate 20% of its coverage on, say, the fact that the government has cut the science and environmental protections budget, how do you think that would actually have an effect on it?"
    There are already lots of places that do this and more.  To name just some:  Mother Jones, The Progressive (magazine or on-line), Natural Resources Defense Councils regular updates, National Geographic, The Guardian.  

    "Maybe if everyone just turned off the major American news networks and went to all the other sources, this problem would fix itself?"
    Yes, turn off the major news networks!  Great idea! If we spent less time following the corporate controlled major media (and stopped buying the shit the peddle)  and follow other news sources, our thinking would move more toward learning about (and doing) solutions to the problems that will hamper ours and other animal's chances of survival.

    "What is there to say besides "fuuuuuuuuuuuuck"?"
    "shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit"!
    “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
    Variously credited to Mark Twain or Edward Abbey.













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