Geoff > Status Update

My favorite German satire site Der Postillion has started to post in English too. Needless to say Trump & his administration has become the favorite target. Her are some recent articles.

“Börder Wåll”: IKEA offers Trump an affordable solution

Seven Muslim countries impose entry ban on American drones

and my favorite so far; the "Trump Dump"
Trump’s first bowel movement in White House twice the size of Obama’s, Press Secretary reports

Ikea to the rescue. I'm glad they include only a single hex wrench with the 1600-some mile wall, why waste money. This is a great deal for U.S. taxpayers, seeing as it's unlikely Mexico will pay.

And the taxpayers' money will ultimately go to Sweden, that is the EU :) Yah!

Wait ... ummmm ... they're Socialist, right? Oh, I know. We'll make global warming worse (if it's not a Chinese scam), then northern Europe will get colder because the gulfstream will die. That'll teach those pinkos to mess with me. I mean with me and Bannon.

(view spoiler)[XKCD mouseover text (hide spoiler)]

Enough, sorry Geoff. It's late. Pls delete if you want.

Some very peaceful protests at Berkeley last night.

Free speech and tolerance!

...unless you oppose their viewpoints.

And yet Republicans are called fascists.

EDIT: I may not agree with any of your (left's) politics, and you mine, but we should all agree that both sides deserve the chance to speak their mind without worry of violence and suppression... and this is no more important than in an academic setting.

I agree - Milos should absolutely be protested against (though he is someone who is building his "fame" on this notoriety, so in an ideal world one would just ignore him) - I find him absolutely repellent and do not believe he holds any of the views he puts out, it is all just about controversy and fame - like Katy Hopkins in the UK - but the violence does nothing but harm to the legitimacy of any protests. This is not the case of an unrepresented, silenced minority whose only voice is a violent one. These are Berkeley students for gods sake.

I think that Black-clad ninjas were agent provocateurs. They seem to show up at highly publicized events to paint protests into the Trump narrative.

Jonathan wrote: "I agree - Milos should absolutely be protested against (though he is someone who is building his "fame" on this notoriety, so in an ideal world one would just ignore him) - I find him absolutely re..."

All they did was push more people to Milo's message... he will attract far more followers and legitimacy after events like this.

If no one showed up at all, the majority of America still wouldn't even know his name.

I follow him for the laughs and shock... and anytime I ask someone if they know him or have heard of his shenanigans, they have no idea. After last night, your grandmother will know who he is.

Peter wrote: "I think that Black-clad ninjas were agent provocateurs. They seem to show up at highly publicized events to paint protests into the Trump narrative."

you can't seriously think this was Trump's doing.

The black-clads are anarchists.

Nick wrote: "Peter wrote: "I think that Black-clad ninjas were agent provocateurs. They seem to show up at highly publicized events to paint protests into the Trump narrative."

you can't seriously think this w..."

Take a look at this article on baby parts O Keefe. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/1/...

Daily Kos published quite a bit of crap during the election that was later found to be untrue (that weird plot to smear Assange for instance). Wouldn't trust them to the same extent as major newspapers that have to be more accountable.

Antonomasia wrote: "Daily Kos published quite a bit of crap during the election that was later found to be untrue (that weird plot to smear Assange for instance). Wouldn't trust them to the same extent as major newspa..."

Agreed - I don't pay attention to Kos.

The story was confirmed in the Huffpost and Wonkette.

Peter wrote: "The story was confirmed in the Huffpost and Wonkette."

Two additional, quality websites!

http://www.snopes.com/2017/01/18/duel... How about snopes. I suppose unless Breitbart or Fox confirms it Trump fans would never believe it.

Peter wrote: "http://www.snopes.com/2017/01/18/duel... How about snopes. I suppose unless Breitbart or Fox confirms it Trump fans would never believe it."

No, but even the links are indeed true, does that mean you should jump to conclusions about Berkeley? There are far more instances of agitators (many paid for) on the left (though I know someone will come in with a smug remark about anarchists not being "left wing").

No matter who is behind agitating (right or left or whatever label to want to call it), it's absolutely disgusting behavior.

PS - This may shatter your perceptions of a Trump voter, so be prepared... but I don't even read Breitbart. **head explodes**

Yeah the left is known for its deep pockets to pay rioters to make it look bad.

Peter wrote: "Yeah the left is known for its deep pockets to pay rioters to make it look bad."

Yeah, guys like Soros certainly don't exist. He's so right wing.

Peter wrote: "Yeah the left is known for its deep pockets to pay rioters to make it look bad."

You just opened up for some dumb comment about "Soros."

Nick wrote: "Peter wrote: "Yeah the left is known for its deep pockets to pay rioters to make it look bad."

Yeah, guys like Soros certainly don't exist. He's so right wing."
Ah! There it is.

Ian wrote: "Nick wrote: "Peter wrote: "Yeah the left is known for its deep pockets to pay rioters to make it look bad."

Yeah, guys like Soros certainly don't exist. He's so right wing."
Ah! There it is."

Ian wrote: "Nick wrote: "Peter wrote: "Yeah the left is known for its deep pockets to pay rioters to make it look bad."

Yeah, guys like Soros certainly don't exist. He's so right wing."
Ah! There it is."

I aim to please!

Yeah soros is playing long game pay rioters which will turn the public against the left which he is supposed to love as a currency trader to further his plans for what "Agenda 21?". Makes perfect sense.

Peter wrote: "Yeah soros is playing long game pay rioters which will turn the public against the left which he is supposed to love as a currency trader to further his plans for what "Agenda 21?". Makes perfect s..."

BLM... open borders society. Look it up some time.

Well, whoever's behind it, it's a shame the students didn't think far enough ahead to ignore the violent agitators, and realised that they might be damaging their cause (at this point, harking back to what Jonathan said about those who have no other choice). But with the traditions of protest at Berkley, it must be easier to get sucked in than in many places.

Nick wrote: "Peter wrote: "Yeah soros is playing long game pay rioters which will turn the public against the left which he is supposed to love as a currency trader to further his plans for what "Agenda 21?". M..."

Haha believe what you like. that's your prerogative.

Nick wrote: "Peter wrote: "Yeah soros is playing long game pay rioters which will turn the public against the left which he is supposed to love as a currency trader to further his plans for what "Agenda 21?". M..."<

If you can't accept Huffpost what makes you think I am going take Breitbart seriously.

You clearly didn't pay attention when I said I don't read Breitbart.

And I did look it up. http://www.snopes.com/politics/busine...

Actual document leaks from OSF paint a different picture.

show me

All this thread communicates to me is that our country is fucked. If California secedes I'd consider moving there. Other than that, I'm applying for a music residency at EMS in Stockholm. If I get accepted I'm never coming back. Fuck you, America. (I'm actually serious about that - I'm applying to EMS and if I get it I'm never coming back. I'll just be an illegal immigrant in Sweden.)

If anyone wants to laugh, you should check out Trump's prayer breakfast speech. Holy shit! This guy is nutters beyond belief.

http://thehill.com/homenews/administr...

Peter wrote: "show me"

How about you learn to fish.

OK, it's been real. Back to work.

Nick, I'm not picking a fight, I'm just gonna ask once and let it go cuz I want to know - you think Trump is a sane and competent person? You think he's qualified to be president of the US?

Re Soros - clearly a conspiracy theory expounded by Glenn Beck is one that is deserving of serious attention.

Look, regardless of what his views are (and he did study under Karl Popper) - just because someone gives money to a load of organisations, particularly political ones, does not mean everyone in those organisations suddenly turns into a puppet he can control. The idea of some shadowy mastermind pulling the strings behind the scenes just demonstrates a fundamental inability to understand how human beings, whether alone or in groups, actually work.

He has done some things I'm in favor of... and many things I'm not in favor of.

Do I think he's a smart/bright guy? Depends on the day of the week.
Would I let my daughter (she doesn't exist) near him alone? No.
Do I think he's a great speaker? No, he's terrible.
Is he sane? I can't make that call.

Is he qualified? Some days I think yes. Others I say no.
Would I rather have Hillz in there? Hell no.

I'm not one to get into huge fights, so have no fear of instigation on my part... especially over the internet. I simply don't care enough about what other people think of me to get that offended.

You are entitled to all of your opinions, and I can't say I don't understand them. I'm not completely blinded and do know grievances of the other side.

I've said it before and I will reiterate: I didn't vote for Trump because he's my ideal candidate. I voted for him to keep the SC tilted right and for financial de-regulation (and lower taxes!).

Nick wrote: "He has done some things I'm in favor of... and many things I'm not in favor of.

Do I think he's a smart/bright guy? Depends on the day of the week.
Would I let my daughter (she doesn't exist) ne..."

Thanks, I appreciate it. Lately I've been more sad than argumentative - I really need to know what happened to make all of this real. I see your points.

Geoff wrote: "Nick wrote: "He has done some things I'm in favor of... and many things I'm not in favor of.

Do I think he's a smart/bright guy? Depends on the day of the week.
Would I let my daughter (she does..."

You know what's funny and I was just telling my wife this a few nights ago... I get WAYYY more pissed off and aggravated if someone slams a book I love than anything someone could possibly say politically.

For instance, if you said Ulysses is a piece of shit, I would seriously lose my mind. If you said you're a communist who wanted to enslave white males, I'd just laugh.

Oops... I've now told you all how to push my buttons!

I looked it up and couldn't find anything outside the usual fakenews sources of the right. Nice try.

Geoff wrote: "I really need to know what happened to make all of this real. "
Are you looking for stuff to read? Theory? Sociologically?
Or is this simply about adjusting to it mentally?

I do find it phenomenally depressing that Republicans are willing to destroy all the traditional norms and standards of our democracy and political decency, and are willing to pollute the world and have religious tests for entering our country, all for a few more dollars back on their tax returns.

Peter wrote: "I looked it up and couldn't find anything outside the usual fakenews sources of the right. Nice try."

DCLeaks is your friend.

Antonomasia wrote: "Geoff wrote: "I really need to know what happened to make all of this real. "
Are you looking for stuff to read? Theory? Sociologically?
Or is this simply about adjusting to it mentally?"

I'm not sure reading is going to tell me much - writing is reasoned, thought through - and this is predominantly about emotions, not reason - so I think to learn why this happened you have to talk to people who voted for Trump.

A huh DC Leaks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Leaks

Nick, what do you think about the anti-expert, anti-academia side of the contemporary right? It's evident you value art & literature, but I'm not sure how that fits around other policies and tendencies.

(Sorry, I know this can get a bit "ooh, a real live Republican! let's ask it things!" Whilst I disagree with plenty of stuff you've posted, I also think it's admirably game to venture into these threads otherwise entirely full of people from the other side[s])

Geoff wrote: "I do find it phenomenally depressing that Republicans are willing to destroy all the traditional norms and standards of our democracy and political decency, and are willing to pollute the world and..."

You chose to focus on the latter and not the former. My idea of norms and standards lean right in most cases. A SC majority ensures a generation of tilt in that favor. It was the single most important factor in my decision.

And for me, it's not just a few bucks on my return. It's my entirely livelihood and how food gets on the table..

Nick wrote: "Geoff wrote: "I do find it phenomenally depressing that Republicans are willing to destroy all the traditional norms and standards of our democracy and political decency, and are willing to pollute..."
Check back with us in a couple of years and tell us how Republican control helped you put food on the table. It will be an interesting conversation I predict.

Antonomasia wrote: "Nick, what do you think about the anti-expert, anti-academia side of the contemporary right? It's evident you value art & literature, but I'm not sure how that fits around other policies and tenden..."

I'm generally anti-academia in the sense that I'm reminded of the old adage "those who can't do, teach." Lit professors get a pass on this. Though in the business world, this holds extremely true.

I also firmly believe in the phenomenon Taleb has termed "Intellectual-Yet-Idiot."

But yes, art, literature, and broadway are very near and dear to me. I'm extremely upset with public education defunding these programs. Education is one area that is a total shit show. If it were up to me, teachers would be paid far more and schools better funded. But as things stand, it's a local issue more than national. And DeVos is one of the major issues I have had with Trump.

Nick wrote: "Geoff wrote: "I do find it phenomenally depressing that Republicans are willing to destroy all the traditional norms and standards of our democracy and political decency, and are willing to pollute..."

Really? I don't see the tax breaks they're promising for the middle class being the difference between feast and famine.