Geoff > Status Update

Wilders lost

Hell yeah

(for now)

Ted wrote: ".Don't forget, more Americans voted against him than for him! "

If it wasn't by a dominant margin,I'm still depressed.

And, by the way, why didn't Gary Coleman run this time. He might not have had the stuff to beat Schwarzenegger for governor, but surely he's a more respected celeb than Trump, eh? I'd even take his brother Willis.

So Trump's second travel ban also got stopped, on the reasonable grounds that it's another piece of barely disguised racism. Trump says this makes the US look weak, by which he presumably means that it makes him look weak.

Soooo frustrating... there's never a Reichstag fire when you need one! But surely he won't have to wait much longer?

Quite the most hopeful thing that's happened since the election! An optimist might almost get the impression that the US still believes in the rule of law.

Our Dutch friends are celebrating elections as though they have won a great victory. But the fact that Wilders party got 13.1% of the vote and came second...

Would it be cynical to say that Hitler is just waiting to happen again. It's not a matter if but when.

I wake up each morning with fear in the pit of my stomach, so I take half a sleeping pill and go back to sleep, and then when I wake up again I am okay, even though Trump is still on my mind. Three more hours of sleep goes a long ways. It would help if I didn't read the Washington Post, watch the news, or that I wasn't reading, "Berlin Diary." Sometimes when I am reading Berlin Diary I wonder if America will become just as frightening and dangerous.

Is this the biggest Fuck You budget of all time? I mean, the National Endowment for the Arts and the NPR budgets are less than like the cost of a toilet at the Pentagon - that's nothing other than pure spite. And can a Republican explain to me why Trump thinks we don't need a State Department? The cuts to EPA and NOAA and NASA and HUD were expected but are ludicrous. What, to fund his fucking useless wall? Cutting legal aid for the poor? Low-income heating assistance? Keep it up, Trump - when your time is up our vengeance will be hundredfold.

And I'm with Zadignose here - I feel utter resentment for humanity, that they could let things get this far. It represents a total failure of culture.

Turns out America: The Reality Show is the shittiest thing ever on TV.

Good lord, the Dutch labor party lost 29 of their of their 38 seats in parliament! From the second biggest party to one of the smallest ones!

Even if the far-right didn't win this time, social democracy and the mainstream left is literally dying all over Europe.

Niklas wrote: "Good lord, the Dutch labor party lost 29 of their of their 38 seats in parliament! From the second biggest party to one of the smallest ones!

Even if the far-right didn't win this time, social de..."

https://youtu.be/lWTE1Uj9Z8c

I've got fear of a whack planet.

Geoff wrote: "And I'm with Zadignose here - I feel utter resentment for humanity, that they could let things get this far. It represents a total failure of culture."

I guess the honest question has to be asked: To what extent do you believe in people? We're all here on GR because we find some redeeming quality in the arts, so some redeeming quality in people, but I have my long-term doubts.

I wonder if scientific/technological progress gives us the illusion that we've made ethical/political progress. iPhones aren't going anywhere but civil rights could be destroyed tomorrow. We're fundamentally not a logical species and every time we go to the ballot box we're shooting with the same loaded dice as ten-thousand years ago.

Actually, I remember the first time I allowed myself to cut classes at NYU was specifically so I could buy that album. Ah, the good old days of pre-Giuliani New York anarchy. Even the blood spattered public phones and sidewalks seemed somehow more... human than what we've got to replace them.

Make 911 a joke again?

Zadignose wrote: "Actually, I remember the first time I allowed myself to cut classes at NYU was specifically so I could buy that album. Ah, the good old days of pre-Giuliani New York anarchy. Even the blood spatter..."

Are we talking Porcupine Tree's Fear of a Blank Planet or Public Enemy's Fear of a Black Planet here?

Geoff wrote: "And I'm with Zadignose here - I feel utter resentment for humanity, that they could let things get this far. It represents a total failure of culture."

Wait until you get to the end of Min kamp. He explains more convincingly than anyone I've ever come across just why nazism is so seductive, even for people who imagine themselves to be intelligent and enlightened.

ATJG wrote: "Geoff wrote: "And I'm with Zadignose here - I feel utter resentment for humanity, that they could let things get this far. It represents a total failure of culture."

I guess the honest question ha..."

Studies have shown me that we shouldn't believe in people; they are so easily persuaded. I think of the Stanford prison study, and I think of how racism can grow, and if a leader tells a lie long enough people will believe. But then I read that only half of the Germans accepted Hitler's words, and still, look what happened. It was the intellectuals that he got rid of, and the press, and the law makers. Trump is working on these things. Even getting people out of office who can go against him. Smart people.

Manny wrote: "Geoff wrote: "And I'm with Zadignose here - I feel utter resentment for humanity, that they could let things get this far. It represents a total failure of culture."

Wait until you get to the end ..."

Goddammit Manny it's not going to be published in English until fall of 2018! I could probably learn Norwegian before then...

Zadignose wrote: "Actually, I remember the first time I allowed myself to cut classes at NYU was specifically so I could buy that album. Ah, the good old days of pre-Giuliani New York anarchy. Even the blood spatter..."

I have distinct memories of mowing my lawn as a kid with the cassette of It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back blaring in headphones over the lawnmower noise - ah the sweet beginnings of my long road to tinnitus...

Geoff wrote: "Goddammit Manny it's not going to be published in English until fall of 2018! I could probably learn Norwegian before then... "

You could, you could! Why has it taken you so long to reach this obvious conclusion?

There are many people on GR who'll be delighted to help you. In fact, now that you mention it, an idea has just crossed my mind...

I mean, I believe in some people and the works of some people - but people on the whole are fucked! I echo in erroneous paraphrase Gilbert Sorrentino - anyone who thinks the arts will save them is an idiot.

Manny wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Goddammit Manny it's not going to be published in English until fall of 2018! I could probably learn Norwegian before then... "

You could, you could! Why has it taken you so long to ..."

Because I work 9-5, I spend hours a day after that working on music, I try to exercise, I read, I cook, I try to give my significant Other proper attentions, maintain some kind of social circle, and I reluctantly have to sleep! Learning Norwegian has not yet entered the priorities...

Geoff wrote: "Because I work 9-5, I spend hours a day after that working on music, I try to exercise, I read, I cook, I try to give my significant Other proper attentions, maintain some kind of social circle, and I reluctantly have to sleep! Learning Norwegian has not yet entered the priorities... "

Yes, but you could do many of those things in Norwegian! Your SO would love it!

Manny wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Because I work 9-5, I spend hours a day after that working on music, I try to exercise, I read, I cook, I try to give my significant Other proper attentions, maintain some kind of soc..."

What you say is true

Manny wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Because I work 9-5, I spend hours a day after that working on music, I try to exercise, I read, I cook, I try to give my significant Other proper attentions, maintain some kind of soc..."

I am now imagining how one exercises "in Norwegian".

Is there an equivalent of "do you even lift, bro?"

Jonathan wrote: "Is there an equivalent of "do you even lift, bro?."

Google Translate:

løfter du egentlig vekter?

Nick wrote: "Google Translate:

løfter du egentlig vekter?"

From what I read above that result might be manipulated by Robert Mercer. Can we still trust GT?

The ACEEE on Trump's budget.

http://aceee.org/press/2017/03/trump-...

And where will all those additional expenditures by American consumers go? My guess would be utility companies, and fossil fuel companies. Wonder if anyone in the administration (including Trump) has holdings? Oh and too bad about the lost jobs. I guess Trump will be able to create quite a few at fast food chains once all the non-whites are cleared out.

Matt wrote: "Nick wrote: "Google Translate:

løfter du egentlig vekter?"

From what I read above that result might be manipulated by Robert Mercer. Can we still trust GT?"

Mercer and I play for the same side... so no fear on my part!

Nick wrote: "Matt wrote: "Nick wrote: "Google Translate:

løfter du egentlig vekter?"

From what I read above that result might be manipulated by Robert Mercer. Can we still trust GT?"

Mercer and I play for th..."

Siding with evil only has benefits and protections while evil is winning. Tides turn.

Geoff wrote: "Siding with evil only has benefits and protections while evil is winning. Tides turn. "

My exact thoughts for the past 8 years.

I assume you hate the released budget proposal.

Nick wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Siding with evil only has benefits and protections while evil is winning. Tides turn. "

My exact thoughts for the past 8 years.

I assume you hate the released budget proposal."

Did you not see my comment above? The budget proposal is an insult to all decent humanity. It's absurd beyond belief.

But Nick, you've said before that you don't think climate change is really an issue and that it doesn't really matter to you, and that you voted for Trump because you are for deregulation of financial institutions. Basically, I think those stances are evil. We really don't have much ground for civilized debate here, so I don't see a point in trying.

Hillary was Lawful Evil. Trump is Chaotic Neutral tbh.

Geoff wrote: "Did you not see my comment above? The budget proposal is an insult to all decent humanity. It's absurd beyond belief. "

I'm also not a fan, but I suspect for FAR different reasons. The cuts didn't go nearly as far as they should have.

Humanity is one thing... Reality is quite another. I'm curious how you expect to pay for all of your programs. And don't say taxes because even 100% tax rate on people >250k doesn't come close to bridging the gap. It also doesn't address the out of control national debt we already have outstanding.

Let me put it in terms I know you all understand: Global Warming.

It's amazing how you guys sound the alarms of global warming, and talk up and down about how it's too late... the world is ending... we're past the point of no return. We're not doing nearly enough to combat it. Everything we do right now is just to lessen the blow. If we do absolutely nothing, the world will cease to exist as we know it. And if you don't agree, you're completely blind and don't acknowledge hard science.

What if I told you it's nearly the same exact thing in regards to debt? And if you don't agree, you're blind to math.

So again, how will you pay for all the programs that you find essential under your definition of "decent humanity?"

Niklas wrote: "Hillary was Lawful Evil. Trump is Chaotic Neutral tbh."

Trump is far from neutral, friend.

Nick wrote: "Geoff wrote: "Did you not see my comment above? The budget proposal is an insult to all decent humanity. It's absurd beyond belief. "

I'm also not a fan, but I suspect for FAR different reasons. T..."

Nick, adding an additional $54b to our already insanely bloated defense budget when two years later the people of Flint, MI are still drinking bottled water because of unacceptably high lead levels in the public system is, in my humble opinion, madness.

Regarding climate change and the debt situation, one of these is an existential threat, one threatens to cause the collapse of biodiversity on this planet. It ain't the fuggin debt.

Nick wrote: "It's amazing how you guys sound the alarms of global warming, and talk up and down about how it's too late... the world is ending... we're past the point of no return..."

I don't say that. In fact I said the exact opposite in this very thread not very long ago.

"Do you realize it's nearly the same exact thing in regards to debt?

Debt is not an existential threat to the species. Equating them is ludicrous.

But I'm not for debt. Let's cut military spending. Let's tax the rich and corporations properly, and collect those taxes instead of letting them shelter them. Tax me, personally, more - as long as you're spending it on things that help humanity, like climate research, education, programs for the poor, programs to reduce crime - I'm far from wealthy but I'll gladly pay more, because I understand we live in a community of other people.

But I would argue that Republicans only care about debt when a Dem is in office. Isn't Trump's budget going to raise the debt by trillions?

Geoff wrote: "But Nick, you've said before that you don't think climate change is really an issue and that it doesn't really matter to you"

Please show me where I ever said that. You're filling in blanks that don't exist because your pre-conceptions of what a Trump voter believes has clouded your recall.

Nick wrote: "Geoff wrote: "But Nick, you've said before that you don't think climate change is really an issue and that it doesn't really matter to you"

Please show me where I ever said that. You're filling in..."

No I asked you this and you said it! Earlier in this thread! Fuck now I have to go find it among billions of fucking comments - sigh be back in a year

Geoff wrote: "I don't say that. In fact I said the exact opposite in this very thread not very long ago.."

I said "you guys" as in collectively here on GR (and the left).

Geoff wrote: "Debt is not an existential threat to the species. Equating them is ludicrous..."

Not saying it's an existential threat to the species...but it's an existential threat to the world economy given what happens if it truly spirals out of control.

Geoff wrote: "Let's tax the rich and corporations properly, and collect those taxes instead of letting them shelter them. Tax me, personally, more - as long as you're spending it on things that help humanity, like climate research, education, programs for the poor, programs to reduce crime"

Dude, 100% tax rate isn't even enough... don't you get it? We already have the highest corp tax rate in the world.

I'm all for a tax overhaul... but simply using the existing tax programs and ratcheting up the % is not going to do it. Or come anywhere close.

Geoff wrote: "But I would argue that Republicans only care about debt when a Dem is in office. Isn't Trump's budget going to raise the debt by trillions? "

What is the point of this "argument?" I said Trump's budget didn't go far enough. You putting this on Republicans is in an effort to do what exactly? It doesn't address my point at all. Simply because I call my self a "Republican?" Yes, many of them even spend like liberals...

ATJG wrote: "Nick wrote: "Nick, adding an additional $54b to our already insanely bloated defense budget when two years later the people of Flint, MI are still drinking bottled water because of unacceptably high lead levels in the public system is, in my humble opinion, madness."

Please tell me where I agreed with the budget, specifically military. Also, just want to hit back on "insanely bloated." You realize the current military budget is already lower by $100B since Obama took office. Hard to call it "bloated" when it's the lowest in a decade.

ATJG wrote: "Regarding climate change and the debt situation, one of these is an existential threat, one threatens to cause the collapse of biodiversity on this planet. It ain't the fuggin debt."

I put it in terms you all seem to understand because it appears none of you have ever taken an economics class. Equating the end result of the two was not the point... but it seems to certainly be the only part that is making it into your brains.

EDIT: Also, a total collapse of the world economy due to debt spiral isn't something we can just quickly put behind us. Do you understand the implications of how it affects future generations? The world may still exist, as well as humanity... but with what quality?

Nick wrote: "ATJG wrote: "Nick wrote: "Nick, adding an additional $54b to our already insanely bloated defense budget when two years later the people of Flint, MI are still drinking bottled water because of una..."

@"insanely bloated"

http://i.imgur.com/SJwm2Kg.png

@debt vs. climate change

The idea is perhaps viable that each situation is untenable, but seems like a broken analogy beyond that to me.

Okay I tried for a minute to look through this thread for that comment but Wastrel's comments were so incredibly long it made scrolling on my iPhone untenable and pretty much the most annoying thing ever. But you said it! I have an amazing memory, despite my youthful dalliance with w33d.

(Okay okay it wasn't a dalliance and it wasn't exactly only in my youth - but you still said it.)

Geoff wrote: "Okay I tried for a minute to look through this thread for that comment but Wastrel's comments were so incredibly long it made scrolling on my iPhone untenable and pretty much the most annoying thin..."

The only thing I would've ever said is I don't think it's as dire as most people seem to think (ie: the world is going to end), though still acknowledge it's a serious issue (in addition to pollution, environmental damage/development, etc.)

To add... I'm much more worried about pollution, sustainability, over development, the raping of natural resources, being able to swim in a lake without getting cancer, GMOs in literally everything we eat... this, to me, is more of an immediate crisis, though battling one or the other cause (global warming) help one another... so two-for-one.

And no, I've never taken an economics class, but by Trump's standards doesn't that make me perfect to run the Fed?

ATJG wrote: "The idea is perhaps viable that each situation is untenable, but seems like a broken analogy beyond that to me. "

So take point with the analogy, not the problem. Hate the analogy all you want... but don't pretend there isn't an issue. All you're doing is deflecting from the main argument.

Geoff wrote: "And no, I've never taken an economics class, but by Trump's standards doesn't that make me perfect to run the Fed?"

Economics, as David Suzuki so rightly noted, is a form of brain damage. It's masquerading as a science when it is obviously no such thing.

ATJG wrote: "@"insanely bloated"

http://i.imgur.com/SJwm2Kg.png"

I can't view this at work, but if it's a chart showing military spending, I'm already well aware of what the numbers are.