Geoff > Status Update

This begs the question, just how Russian are we?

ATJG wrote: "This begs the question, just how Russian are we?"

I think the better question is... all of these headlines sure are very sensational in nature. Just how inappropriate were the discussions and what specifically was discussed?

On the surface, simply meeting with a Russian official isn't a big deal. As many outlets have reported, Sessions met with officials from many other countries. The questions start coming when you don't disclose you met with those officials.

My personal hope is these allegations against most of the cabinet are hysterics and sensationalist 'journalism.' Maybe some inappropriate discussions took place... perhaps even some HIGHLY inappropriate/illegal discussions (or more) took place. But I'm going to wait for actual proof of gross misconduct before freaking out.

I actually don't think the substance of the discussions is at all more important than the fact he did not disclose the meetings. It reminds me of Clinton - it's not that he had sex with Lewinski, it's that he lied about it. The possibility of an AG that lied during his confirmation is the issue here.

Geoff wrote: "I actually don't think the substance of the discussions is at all more important than the fact he did not disclose the meetings. It reminds me of Clinton - it's not that he had sex with Lewinski, i..."

Don't disagree... a very bad move, especially given the sensitivity around discussions with Russia.

Though, just saying I'm not ready to say there is a whole Russian conspiracy and everyone in the President's (including Trump) cabinet is in on it, dealing secrets.

Nick wrote: "Though, just saying I'm not ready to say there is a whole Russian conspiracy and everyone in the President's (including Trump) cabinet is in on it, dealing secrets."

It's starting to look more and more like a trend though with this administration.

ATJG wrote: "It's starting to look more and more like a trend though with this administration.."

Discussions /= dealing in trade secrets. You're forgetting half the country and basically the entire media establishment are foaming at the mouth for a smoking gun to get rid of Trump.

I have yet to see any truly hard evidence of it, but I'll be the first to shut my mouth if there is any.

Oh, and in regards to "no-go" zones in Sweden... I'll drop this here.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-03...

Nick wrote: "Oh, and in regards to "no-go" zones in Sweden... I'll drop this here.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-03..."

So you're saying that I shouldn't apply to that residency at the EMS in Stockholm like I was planning to? Think the gangs are going after the vintage Buchla synths?

Geoff wrote: "Nick wrote: "Oh, and in regards to "no-go" zones in Sweden... I'll drop this here.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-03...-..."

I think it's incredibly naive to blow off these types of encounters in Sweden in an effort to stay blind to the issues Niklas has been raising in this thread (with almost zero acknowledgment, besides an incredibly sarcastic reply from Manny)... and now I can add your sarcastic reply.

Down at DOJ right now with a decent size protest asking for Session's resignation.

Geoff wrote: "Down at DOJ right now with a decent size protest asking for Session's resignation."

way to go!

There has to be something behind this - even Chaffetz is calling for a recusal of Sessions from the investigation. Keep it up!

Ted wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Down at DOJ right now with a decent size protest asking for Session's resignation."

way to go!"

Yeah I don't deserve much praise - the DOJ is literally across the street from where I work, so like on my end it's the least effort possible to go to a protest. But still, it was a decent turn out for a fairly spontaneous gathering.

Nick wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Nick wrote: "Oh, and in regards to "no-go" zones in Sweden... I'll drop this here.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-03......"

I was asking for real! Those Buchlas are rare!

This spontaneity is great. Local news pix http://wjla.com/news/local/protesters...

Alfred wrote: "This spontaneity is great. Local news pix http://wjla.com/news/local/protesters..."

For getting it together in a couple of hours there was decent turnout. Loads of people had signs they clearly just made out of stuff from their office desk and were there on their lunchbreak. Tons of cars passing were honking in support too.

Geoff wrote: "Alfred wrote: "This spontaneity is great. Local news pix http://wjla.com/news/local/protesters..."

For getting it together i..."

Of course the Trumpers are still claiming it was "paid protesters".

Miriam wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Alfred wrote: "This spontaneity is great. Local news pix http://wjla.com/news/local/protesters..."

For getting..."

Wish I got paid.

Geoff wrote: "Miriam wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Wish I got paid."

I know!

C'mon, Soros, you greedy bastard, cough up

Think how much he must have spent on the women's marches world-round. Holy shit pockets be deep!

This is something I've found odd:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/02/us...

Bannon is against staying in the Paris climate treaty. Tillerson, the former Exxon head -- is in favor of staying. The oil CEO has a better position here than Bannon.

Sure, we've seen it all before, but lest we forget (heck, it's been weeks!):

Russia
Russia
Other Wackiness

Zadignose wrote: "Sure, we've seen it all before, but lest we forget (heck, it's been weeks!):

Russia
Russia
Other Wackiness"

Oh man those videos are priceless

Hadrian wrote: "This is something I've found odd:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/02/us...

Bannon is against staying in the Paris climate treaty. Tillerson, the former Exxon head ..."

A fine-tuned machine, this administration

Hadrian wrote: "This is something I've found odd:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/02/us...

Bannon is against staying in the Paris climate treaty. Tillerson, the former Exxon head ..."

Why is this odd? Tillerson is a brilliant dude. Bannon is an idiot.

Geoff wrote: "Oh man those videos are priceless"

For some reason youtube suggested I should next watch Jethro Tull's Thick as a Brick after the Trump fooleries; those AI algorithms sometimes scare me.

Nick wrote: "Why is this odd? Tillerson is a brilliant dude. Bannon is an idiot. "

Have to say I agree with Nick here - not at all surprised that Tillerson has the more reasonable, and practical, view. Despite the fact that he worked for an "evil" energy corp, the guy is very very smart and, like a lot of people in the industry these days, actually has a more nuanced perspective on climate change than you might expect.

While I don't think Bannon is an idio (I actually think his intelligence to be part of what makes him concerning), he does tend to let his ideological beliefs get the better of him.

Jonathan wrote: "While I don't think Bannon is an idio (I actually think his intelligence to be part of what makes him concerning), he does tend to let his ideological beliefs get the better of him.."

Well my comment was less about his IQ and more about his beliefs/intentions.

I was more pessimistic about whether the former oil company CEO would be in favor of maintaining climate treaties. It's a relief to see someone take their job seriously, just as I've been frustrated with Bannon's ideological posturing.

Jonathan wrote: "Despite the fact that he worked for an "evil" energy corp, the guy is very very smart and, like a lot of people in the industry these days, actually has a more nuanced perspective on climate change than you might expect."

And if not the biggest investor in alt-energy, Exxon is certainly up there. They understand it is the future as much as anyone.

Also, you can't make this shit up

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slates...

Hey Nick, as the resident Republican, do you want to comment on those videos? If not, cool, no big deal. Just curious how a Trump voter reacts to Trump clearly being a con man with no fixed belief system.

Nick wrote: "Well my comment was less about his IQ and more about his beliefs/intentions. ..."

then we are in complete agreement. What a thoroughly pleasant way to bring my friday work-day to close.

Geoff wrote: "Hey Nick, as the resident Republican, do you want to comment on those videos? If not, cool, no big deal. Just curious how a Trump voter reacts to Trump clearly being a con man with no fixed belief ..."

youtube is blocked at work and I can't view this thread on the iphone app.

Nick wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Hey Nick, as the resident Republican, do you want to comment on those videos? If not, cool, no big deal. Just curious how a Trump voter reacts to Trump clearly being a con man with no..."

It's cool - it's mainly that last video, though the Russia ones are pretty messed up too - but whatever if you don't feel like using your time watching those don't sweat it

Jonathan wrote: "Nick wrote: "Why is this odd? Tillerson is a brilliant dude. Bannon is an idiot. "

Have to say I agree with Nick here - not at all surprised that Tillerson has the more reasonable, and practical, ..."

Jonathan, were you being very precise in what you said?

If so, what would you say his "nuanced" perspective on climate change is? Is this one that admits that science just may have something here? Or that admits that maybe a bit of the problem could be due to human activities?

The problem with the fossil fuel giants being in alternative energy also, is that that is nothing but a business decision. They are still pushing the idea that we need to be searching for ever more fossil fuel reserves, getting them out of the ground, and burning them. Yet it's apparent that if all the reserves already known about are burned, we are toast.

I am grateful (not being ironic) that Tillerson says he is in favor of staying in the Paris thing. Of course just "staying in" but not doing anything about it is useless, except as a sop thrown to the rest of the world that "yeah, guys, we're with you, don't give up (heh-heh)".

The FFGs have known all this for 20-30 years, yet have funded denial of the science, for no reason beyond profits. We'll make our profits, and get our big bonuses, dammit, and fuck the future.

Thanks, Ted.

See, particularly having met many people in the industry, I just don't agree the "lets make profits and fuck the future" is what is going on. These are not a bunch of evil masterminds. They just find "science" (which I may not agree always warrants that word) which accords with their view of the world, and their desires, and confirmation bias does all the rest. There are many books out there that, if one was already inclined to believe them, would be perfectly sufficient support for someone to view their actions as rational.

So, yes, the nuance is that he is likely not a climate change denier, but someone who thinks that it is less due to human activities than, say, you or I do. This is better than nothing, and it is important to focus on those areas where progress can be made with these people, rather than simply dismissing them.

Just found this: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/a...

Jonathan wrote: "See, particularly having met many people in the industry, I just don't agree the "lets make profits and fuck the future" is what is going on. These are not a bunch of evil masterminds. They just fi..."

Okay. Thanks, will take a look later at the article.

Sounds like, since you say "you or I", we do not disagree. And of course I agree with the remainder of your comment. The problem, as I see it (and of course it matters nothing whether I disagree with Tillerson, and how I disagree, since he isn't going to be asking me for my opinion) is that even if "they" admit what you say, if they don't go further and admit/realize that the FFG business plan is death for thousands of species, and ultimately for civilization, it doesn't matter that they have these partial admissions. It's not about compromising or meeting halfway. Someone has to convince them that, okay, you've taken step one; now take the next step, and the next one after that.

AND if those steps mean the ultimate death of the FFG, with still huge amounts of reserves left in the ground, well that's the way it goes. What's most important? If there's no way around these desires by the FFG to burn it all, then they actually have to be stopped in any way conceivable - at least if people give a shit about future generations of people.

As always, I think the important thing to remember is that the situation is catastrophically bad

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/27...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/e...

Another part:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/na...

On a personal note, I have very close friends who work at NOAA - one of which recently had a baby - who are looking at uncertain futures in their career after the budget announcements tonight - real people are in tears, not to mention the ridiculously irresponsible move this is for the future of life on the planet. And the funding they're cutting is such a small amount in relation to the rest of the budget - a fraction of a percentage of the defense budget. Just total spite, unnecessary "revenge on progressives" cuts. A pretty sad day, if this all gets approved.

Geoff wrote: "On a personal note, I have very close friends who work at NOAA - one of which recently had a baby - who are looking at uncertain futures in their career after the budget announcements tonight - rea..."

These last three posts are extremely gloomy - but realistically so. To echo someone or other - "Very sad"

I'm sorry about your friend, Geoff. Vengeance will be swift.

Today, I believe, was the 40th anniversary of Rumours

https://mobile.twitter.com/kunktation...

Yeah - if I sounded like an apologist that was not my intent - I think we are absolutely fucked and that every step at the moment seems to be in precisely the wrong direction. I was just trying to focus on any sliver of positivity, no matter how small

The silver lining, as always, is the fact that Rumours continues to exist. Greatest song of all time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6Fdm...

(although if you pay attention to the lyrics, it's actually bleak as fuck {sad face} )

So, currently on Breitfart: Obama is apparently some sort of criminal mastermind (despite also being incompetent) who needs to be arrested asap and, along with his buddy Soros, is not only funding and organising all the Trump protests, but using the Deep State (?) to bring down His Holiness Donald Trump, and the wiretapping is worse than Watergate.

It is fascinating to watch how successful Trump's tactics are with this crowd - he can tweet some insane, unsupported accusation and they immediately accept it as truth, and any evidence provided to disprove it is dismissed as part of the liberal conspiracy. If he said the earth was flat I swear most of these people would believe it, even if you flew them up into space to let them see with their own eyes.

This is how their piece describes events:

The outrage from the media and the Democrats appears to be standard hatred of Trump. The president forced a set of facts into the news cycle that was already previously public but framed in a way that puts his political opponents and the establishment media on the defensive. This appears to be the calculus: either the wiretaps exist, as Trump suggests, and the president will use them to bludgeon the Obama administration and the media for impropriety and overreach; or, there were no wiretaps, which suggests the previous administration had no reason to suspect Trump colluded with a foreign government.

Or, as one commentator near the top of the page said (I can only stomach so much of the site):

"Obama needs to be arrested not just because of treason but the man is way beyond evil. He is a madman who is a danger to the whole world. Every Tuesday he met with Brennon to go over his k ill list. Some of the people who lost their lives were innocent bystanders, one an American citizen. His lust for b loo d and murd er are unequaled by anyone I have ever known in power in this nation.."

We'll be at 2666 before we know it. Fuck, shit is dire.