Geoff > Status Update

David wrote: "This article sort of fleshes out what me and my man Jibran was saying about Russia

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_an......"

Nice article, thank you!

To me, the scary thing isn't that the Russians may have hacked the DNC's emails and released them to cause embarrassment to Clinton. It's that a substantial minority of the Republican party is now apparently pro-Putin. I find that a whole lot more worrying.

@Manny, you've inspired me by beating that Leo Strauss-brandishing ponce Peter Thiel at chess.

I'm planning to soon read Strauss myself for the sake of having some extra ammunition in case I ever have the chance of getting in argument with Thiel.

Know your enemies : )

Manny wrote: It's that a substantial minority of the Republican party is now apparently pro-Putin. I find that a whole lot more worrying.

Everyone I know finds this strange. But in this lie seeds of a bitter and possibly violent confrontation with Russia. Trump and his friends may aspire to emulate Putin's authoritarianism without having to apologise for it, but as soon as their interests clash they will be at each other's throats in a manner typical of "men of action" who get "things done" - then we'd have an inexhaustible list of stock expressions except that it would play out more openly and literally than we're used to seeing since the end of the Cold War.

Republicans were supposed to be more anti-Russia than anyone else in the US. I think this has not changed.

David wrote: "This article sort of fleshes out what me and my man Jibran was saying about Russia

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_an......"

So they are having their collective John Nash moment. Brilliant! Thanks for linking us up!

Jibran wrote: "David wrote: "So they are having their collective John Nash moment. Brilliant! Thanks for linking us up!
"

I believe economics claim to being an actual hard science is based to a large degree on the prestige of game theory.

But, as this article point out, it's sort of an open secret that game theory doesn't have much application to the world as it actually exists.

Specious expertise is killing humanity.

No, not doubting the science behind Game Theory but referring to Nash's unfortunate mental illness and the grand Russian conspiracy he believed he was the target of.

Jibran wrote: "Manny wrote: It's that a substantial minority of the Republican party is now apparently pro-Putin. I find that a whole lot more worrying.

Everyone I know finds this strange. But in this lie seeds of a bitter and possibly violent confrontation with Russia. Trump and his friends may aspire to emulate Putin's authoritarianism without having to apologise for it, but as soon as their interests clash they will be at each other's throats in a manner typical of "men of action" who get "things done" - then we'd have an inexhaustible list of stock expressions except that it would play out more openly and literally than we're used to seeing since the end of the Cold War.

Republicans were supposed to be more anti-Russia than anyone else in the US. I think this has not changed."

They may well decide they don't like Putin again if their interests conflict, but the main point to me is that they have moved so far to the right that a large proportion of them at least claim to like this kind of leader - completely undemocratic, contemptuous of the rule of law, shamelessly helping themselves to the country's wealth. That's not typical of the GOP. I am not a big fan of the Republicans, but previously they have always supported core American ideals. They seem to be close to abandoning them.

That was an excellent article.

Meanwhile, though, I am doubting the science behind Game Theory.

I mouthed off about it for a while in the second half of my rambling review of Games Prisoners Play: The Tragicomic Worlds of Polish Prison. I'd summarize it here, but that would be hard.

David wrote: "@Manny, you've inspired me by beating that Leo Strauss-brandishing ponce Peter Thiel at chess.

I'm planning to soon read Strauss myself for the sake of having some extra ammunition in case I ever ..."

Well thank you David!

I should add that, in private, Thiel comes across as a likeable guy.

Yeah, their unreflective embracing of strong man authoritarian-tinged politics is disturbing, not to mention radically opposed to their traditional ideology. That's what's scary - what resentment has done to them.

I mean, did they all read Gass's Tunnel and not see it as a condemnation, but as a really nifty political essay with some good ideas for the future?

Manny wrote: "the Republicans, but previously they have always supported core American ideals. "

They're total nihilists now.

Nathan "N.R." wrote:

They're total nihilists now."

yeah. this is the first time i think i can remember being grateful for old grizzled warhawks like John McCain.

Zadignose wrote: "That was an excellent article.

Meanwhile, though, I am doubting the science behind Game Theory.

I mouthed off about it for a while in the second half of my rambling review of Games Prisoners Play..."

Good review.

Game theory rationalizes human choices through over-simplification and untestable assumptions, and creates charts using the semblance of math and science to add legitimacy to its claims, while dodging the tough and truly meaningful questions.

The heart of the problem. I wouldn't question the math itself (not qualified to, one way or the other), but it's supposed application to the world. That's what's wrong with so much 'scientific' economics. It only makes sense if you assume a highly simplistic view of human nature and deny such things as history and society.

Nathan "N.R." wrote: "Manny wrote: "the Republicans, but previously they have always supported core American ideals. "

They're total nihilists now."


Walter Sobchak: Nihilists! Fuck me. I mean, say what you want about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos.

James wrote: "Walter Sobchak: Nihilists! Fuck me. I mean, say what you want about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos."

Yes, the debate does seem to be moving rather rapidly towards ideas of racial purity. I have seen evolutionary biologists who claim this inevitably happens when there is significant variation in the reproductive rates of different racial groups, though I don't know how solid the arguments are.

Manny wrote: "James wrote: "Walter Sobchak: Nihilists! Fuck me. I mean, say what you want about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos."

Yes, the debate does seem to be moving rather rap..."

He was quoting the Big Lebowski not endorsing the nazis

Well, I thought Mr. Sobchak was up to date on this particular issue...

Subjects of the Donald J Trump and Family Oligarchic Pussy-Grabbin' Plantation Theme Park, Coal Mine, and Casino, formerly known as the USA, I wish you the best of luck in the coming new year! (Just a reminder - lines are already getting long for your health care slot machine tokens, and the "legally murder a lying liberal journalist" vouchers are almost all claimed! Also, ladies, black lung is no excuse for not being at least a 7 - I mean by law now.)

I've mentally started calling it the USASR. Though I imagine that Mr Putin will find it convenient to administer affairs through his docile puppet for a while.

A very happy New Year to you too, Geoff! And please consider moving to Australia or Switzerland!

Manny wrote: "I've mentally started calling it the USASR. Though I imagine that Mr Putin will find it convenient to administer affairs through his docile puppet for a while.

A very happy New Year to you too, Ge..."

If I could, I would, Manny. Happy New Year!

Actually, USASR is pretty catchy. Or, the Republic of the Murti-Bling.

I dont know how our American friends see it but, from the outside, Pres Obama has never looked more stupid and America more helpless. First the anti-land grab resolution in the Sec Council, which should have been initiated in the first year of Obama presidency not in his last month. And now kicking Russian diplomats out, only to get laughed at by Putin.

Yup, he's been comprehensively outplayed. I must get back to studying Russian, looks like it will be useful.

Jibran's observation is mostly correct but I'd add that from the inside we are considerably "more helpless" than his astuteness can gauge. Still, Manny, a good GRs point comes up here - I've been criticized for commenting on books I haven't read. (Irritates some purists here for whom reviewing is their vocation, and don't want comments/opinions on books not read?)

I think the dems are feckless as stated above but they aren't traitors which is more than I can say about others who put party ahead of country.

I thought Murti-Bling was a pretty good play on words (pats self on back)

Hey! Let's not forget - Republicans believe that you should not have guaranteed health care, but they do believe that schizophrenics and people on no-fly lists should have unfettered access to assault rifles! Just a reminder who runs our country. Kthnxbai.

Geoff wrote: "Hey! Let's not forget - Republicans believe that you should not have guaranteed health care, but they do believe that schizophrenics and people on no-fly lists should have unfettered access to assa..."

There's still that thing that requires ERs/EDs to see everyone that walks through the door. But yeah ; I assume that bit of humanity will be repealed shortly too.

Geoff wrote: "Hey! Let's not forget - Republicans believe that you should not have guaranteed health care, but they do believe that schizophrenics and people on no-fly lists should have unfettered access to assa..."

Can anyone recommend a good introduction to Republican theology? I'm sure it makes sense when you understand it, but I still can't figure out how to get started.

My naive picture, based on the scraps I've picked up, is that it's a form of monotheism that's a bit like Islam but more intolerant and violent, though that no doubt ignores all the nuances...

Manny, one big difference between Islam and Republicanism - the number of radicalized Muslims is a vast, vast minority, a tiny percentage. But it looks to me like most all Republicans are right on board and enthusiastic about their kind of radicalism.

Agreed. At least Islam has given us the blessing of Sufism, its music and poetry, had a lasting influence on Spanish music (and by extension Western Classical Music) and many other things. What hare Republicans given the world but proto-fascist bullsh*t?
I mean I guess you could count an environment that makes a fertile home for writing Southern Gothic, but that's a bit of a stretch.

Cecily understands these matters - she'll be able to comment intelligently. I'll try not to embarrass myself further.

Manny wrote: "Can anyone recommend a good introduction to Republican theology? I'm sure it makes sense when you understand it, but I still can't figure out how to get started."

Nothing to recommend, but just to say that he's our first Pagan President. His theology is pure unadulterated power.

Vrixton wrote: "Agreed. At least Islam has given us the blessing of Sufism, its music and poetry, had a lasting influence on Spanish music (and by extension Western Classical Music) and many other things. What har..."

This. And what Nathan just said. Trump himself is about as pagan or atheistic as you get. His God is himself. But his followers? That's pure religion.

Did Putin intervene in the US election? It is entirely plausible, although evidence from the CIA (with its dubious record) and the FBI needs to be carefully scrutinised, whatever our feelings on Trump. And if the Democratic establishment pin the supposedly unthinkable calamity of Trump’s triumph on a foreign power, they will fail to learn the real lessons behind their defeat.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentis...

The most remarkable thing isn't Russian interference or US intel claims or Trump's victory, but the man who is to become the president of the country thinks his intel agencies are a bunch of schemers who can't be trusted.

Have been re-reading some of my old notes on the Nazi Rise to Power. Reminded of von Papen's famous “Wir haben Hitler engagiert" (We've hired Hitler!) and his "“In two months time we will have squeezed Hitler into a corner until he squeaks" and am wondering who is his modern equivalent...

Jibran wrote: "Did Putin intervene in the US election? It is entirely plausible, although evidence from the CIA (with its dubious record) and the FBI needs to be carefully scrutinised, whatever our feelings on Tr..."

Yep. The leader of the Republican party, just yesterday, insinuated that he trusts Julian Assange more than his own intelligence agencies. Truly remarkable.

Jonathan wrote: "Have been re-reading some of my old notes on the Nazi Rise to Power. Reminded of von Papen's famous “Wir haben Hitler engagiert" (We've hired Hitler!) and his "“In two months time we will have sque..."

[Shudder]

Also, I realize I need to revise my original status update - since only something like 19% of the population voted for Trump, and he lost the popular vote by about 3 million (though you keep hearing all this bullshit from Ryan about a "mandate" - yeah cut that shit Pauly) I need to edit my Fuck You to only about 20% of the Volk. Though I could easily extend that to those who didn't bother to vote.

My wife and I voted for Hillary. However, the woman lost. Period. And no pun intended.

Your rude comments and/or chastisements to the bulk of the US population are probably amusing to them. Perhaps, that was your intent. You may consider yourself fortunate not to have been yet born or politically concious when Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan resided in the White House.

But, I mean like really. The US has been spending fortunes to make these nukes. If they don't use them every once in a while that's kind of like an immortal buying life insurance. DUH??

And don't worry. If and when they're dropped; they'll be dropped in some part of the world Americans don't really give the least bit of a shit about. Therefore relocation increases one's personal risk level; and rational people are averse.

Woo wrote: "the woman lost. Period. And no pun intended."

Classy.

"Your rude comments and/or chastisements to the bulk of the US population are probably amusing to them."

Again, as said above, 19% isn't the bulk. And of course it's amusing to them. Bullies often find it amusing when the target of their threats lash out at them. Because they're assholes.

"some part of the world Americans don't really give the least bit of a shit about"

It seems increasingly like that part of the world is in fact the USA.

Females with their menstrual cycles. Before the president elect came around, most people were too cowed by political correctness to say what they really thought about this issue ...

I care about all parts of the world, and was opposed to US nuclear policy long before Trump ever ran for president.

"Classy." Umnn; when in Rome or something like that.

"19%." Yeah, I did recognize the waffle, down from 50% and a bit contradictory regarding the non-voters.

"It seems increasingly like that part of the world is in fact the USA." May well be. Time will tell. But the die has been cast and there is no recasting permitted after the shooting starts. ............... Hey, don't we all love the fireworks on the Fourth?

My apologies for the redundancies. Didn't Country Joe and the Fish set this to music a long time ago?

So, Woo, you figure I owe someone who supports someone who you yourself say is capable of initiating a nuclear holocaust, what, the benefit of the doubt? What are you saying here? Trump's probably gonna nuke some populace somewhere but hey, let's be civil to the guy?

David wrote: "Females with their menstrual cycles. Before the president elect came around, most people were too cowed by political correctness to say what they really thought about this issue ...

I care about ..."

In all seriousness to say such things is gross by the standards of sophomore high school year. But, then we do now have all the "politically correct" sacred cows and the useless fat things are at the very least annoying.

Nuclear policy? Yeah, seems a death wish. But, what's to do when people who hate the US like Kim what's-his-name; you know the one with the misshapen head, have them or say they do?

Woo wrote: "But what's to do..."

Elect someone sane, competent, and qualified. In lieu of that, resist the insane, incompetent, and unqualified with everything you've got.

Geoff wrote: "Woo wrote: "But what's to do..."

Elect someone sane, competent, and qualified. In lieu of that, resist the insane, incompetent, and unqualified with everything you've got."

Geoff, Geoff, my good man. That election is not an option for four years.

The other comment suggests the need for a heroism, most likely inconsequential in the overall scheme; and I'll admit an aversion to martyrdom; as bad as life can be. .............. Sorry. Really. But, it's also a truth the "good guys" never say.

When the lions were chomping at the gate; I said; "Hey, hey. There must be some misunderstanding here. I ain't no Christian."

Woo wrote: "...most likely inconsequential in the overall scheme... When the lions were chomping at the gate; I said; "Hey, hey. There must be some misunderstanding here. I ain't no Christian."

So you advocate for the fiddle while Rome burns? Sounds about right for America today.

Geoff wrote: "Woo wrote: "...most likely inconsequential in the overall scheme... When the lions were chomping at the gate; I said; "Hey, hey. There must be some misunderstanding here. I ain't no Christian."

So..."

"Advocate" may be the wrong word; "Recognize" may be better.

Though I'm not suficiently bright to propose any solutions other than what sometimes pops up in a hightower dream/nightmare; I safely say "Deal with what is."

When one overtly offends an animal; that animal, if it cannot run away, gets up on its hind legs and shows its teeth.

When one pets and feeds that animal it sometimes becomes a friend; only perhaps limited by the internalized effects of that animal's unchangable background.

This could go on, like the rest of the nonsense in "Psychology Today." But what seems very obvious is that it is likely counterproductive to directly engage a bear. To approach cautiously and offer honey may make him a friend. Maybe not. But, I have seen no other modus operandi which could do anything other than make the wound fester.

In the meantime. while the significant people do that. I'll try to do a Vassar Clements and fail.