1) "Trump’s
real war isn’t with the media. It’s with facts: Trump needs to
delegitimize the media because he needs to delegitimize facts,"
by Ezra Klein, Vox, January 21, 2017. You might recall that
we learned during the campaign that 65 percent of Mr. Trump's fact
allegations were "in a range from somewhat misleading to
pants-on-fire false." This article was probably triggered by his
insistence yesterday that the Inauguration crowd on Friday had been
much much bigger than it actually was, along with his condemnation
of the press as a pack of liars.
2. "A
new brain study sheds light on why it can be so hard to change
someone's political beliefs: Why we react to inconvenient
truths as if they were personal insults," updated by
Brian Resnick, Vox, January 22, 2017.
3. Most
people are bad at arguing. These 2 techniques will make you
better: Argue better — with science," updated by Brian Resnick, Vox,
January 13, 2017
sent 1/20/17 Digby
Digby. Must see. The
dogs are good. But do go on. And note that her "Infomania" is a
lot like mine. She clearly has an affinity for truth.
sent 1/20/17 On Day One, Trump's WhiteHouse.gov Scrubs Every Mention of Combating Climate Change
"On
Day One, Trump's WhiteHouse.gov Scrubs Every Mention of Combating
Climate Change: New administration's official site offers 'America
First Energy Plan' which boasts 'direct obstacle to a livable
future' by promoting fracking and coal," by Andrea Germanos,
staff writer, Common Dreams, January 20, 2017
That says it.
Please rise up as best you can.
That says it.
Please rise up as best you can.
sent 1/20/2017 Welcome to the United States of Emergency; Scahill: Blackwater Founder Erik Prince, the Brother of Betsy DeVos, Is Secretly Advising Trump
1. "Welcome
to the United States of Emergency," by Dan
Froomkin, The Intercept, January 20, 2017. "For
those of us who believe in core progressive American values –
multiculturalism, civil liberty and civil rights, free speech, a
free press, truth in government, economic fairness,
environmental protection, inclusiveness, equal justice, a humane
society, the list goes on – today marks the first day of a
disaster on a scale that until a few months ago was beyond our
imagination.
"The White House is now in the hands of a pathological liar and megalomaniac, a mutation spawned of our celebrity culture, a thin-skinned authoritarian whose only real constituent is himself, and whose intentions, to the extent we can discern them, are to destroy a lot of the things that make this country (truly) great.
"Plus he has no idea what he’s doing......"
2. "Scahill: Blackwater Founder Erik Prince, the Brother of Betsy DeVos, Is Secretly Advising Trump," Democracy Now!, January 18, 2017
Many may remember that what is now known as Blackwater was once Richard Cheney's Halliburton Corporation paramilitary for commercial hire, corporate looters. They were known as the KBR. They played a huge part as "contractors" in the war on Vietnam. When they became too notorious, Halliburton spun them off. Now it turns out that our brand spanking new president has a close relationship with the leader of Blackwater, Erik Pence, the brother of the totally inappropriate nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos.
I have archived two of the many messages I wrote during the United States War On Iraq concerning Blackwater and Halliburton's KBR to make it easier for you to remember:
sent 7/18/2008 personal request IMPEACHMENT of President Bush
sent 8/2/2008 Has America Become Fascist?
P.S. You may have noted that our brand spanking new president's proposed CIA Director Mike Pompeo did not make it through today. He was quite late in doing it, but President Barack Obama succumbed to public pressure and banned the use of torture by U.S. forces, presumably including the notorious special group in the CIA. Now we are offered this Mike Pompeo, who "comes with a tough stance on 'enhanced interrogation' techniques and surveillance." McClatchy, January 20, 2017. If we don't look out we'll be back where we were as an evil nation during the invasion of Iraq, using our own people again instead of hiring proxies to create our new enemies for us as we have been doing for the past few years. At least the new Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, is opposed to the use of torture (1/6/17 link)--to the great surprise of our brand spanking new president, it seems. He was not happy to find that out.
"The White House is now in the hands of a pathological liar and megalomaniac, a mutation spawned of our celebrity culture, a thin-skinned authoritarian whose only real constituent is himself, and whose intentions, to the extent we can discern them, are to destroy a lot of the things that make this country (truly) great.
"Plus he has no idea what he’s doing......"
2. "Scahill: Blackwater Founder Erik Prince, the Brother of Betsy DeVos, Is Secretly Advising Trump," Democracy Now!, January 18, 2017
Many may remember that what is now known as Blackwater was once Richard Cheney's Halliburton Corporation paramilitary for commercial hire, corporate looters. They were known as the KBR. They played a huge part as "contractors" in the war on Vietnam. When they became too notorious, Halliburton spun them off. Now it turns out that our brand spanking new president has a close relationship with the leader of Blackwater, Erik Pence, the brother of the totally inappropriate nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos.
I have archived two of the many messages I wrote during the United States War On Iraq concerning Blackwater and Halliburton's KBR to make it easier for you to remember:
sent 7/18/2008 personal request IMPEACHMENT of President Bush
sent 8/2/2008 Has America Become Fascist?
P.S. You may have noted that our brand spanking new president's proposed CIA Director Mike Pompeo did not make it through today. He was quite late in doing it, but President Barack Obama succumbed to public pressure and banned the use of torture by U.S. forces, presumably including the notorious special group in the CIA. Now we are offered this Mike Pompeo, who "comes with a tough stance on 'enhanced interrogation' techniques and surveillance." McClatchy, January 20, 2017. If we don't look out we'll be back where we were as an evil nation during the invasion of Iraq, using our own people again instead of hiring proxies to create our new enemies for us as we have been doing for the past few years. At least the new Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, is opposed to the use of torture (1/6/17 link)--to the great surprise of our brand spanking new president, it seems. He was not happy to find that out.
sent 1/18/17 to help you to decide what you are going to do now: good people, much news: Ira Chernus; Jim Hightower; Jeremy Scahill; Frances Scott Piven; and more
Subject: to help you to decide what you are going to do now: good
people, much news: Ira Chernus; Jim Hightower; Jeremy Scahill;
Frances Scott Piven; and more
There are differences among the approaches that some of these people are taking. I have some physical infirmities and so do not have the full array of choices that I might have if I were at full strength physically, such as going out joining protests. So what are you going to do to help, given your personal situation?
"Throw Sand in the Gears of Everything: When it comes to stopping Trump, petitions aren’t going to do it," by Frances Fox Piven (Wikipedia link), The Nation, January 18, 2016 and republished at Common Dreams January 18, 2017
(videos of questioning by Elizabeth Warren, Al Franken, Tim Kaine) "Whoah Say What?!? Betsy DeVos Diligently Loves Congress and States' Rights and Potential Grizzlies But Schools - Not So Much (Also, Actually, Not Crazy About Kids With Disabilities)," by Abbey Zimnet, staff writer, Common Dreams, January 18, 2017. She refuses to answer questions about following and enforcing laws that are in place.
"Trump Education Nominee Betsy DeVos Lied to the Senate," by Jeremy Scahill, The Intercept, January 18, 2017 and republished in part at Common Dreams January 18, 2017
"When Women Revolted," by Laura Tanenbaum , Mark Engler, Waging Nonviolence, January 18, 2017 and republished at Common Dreams, January 18, 2017
"EPA Nominee Pruitt's Hearing Shows Him Poised to Be "Every Polluter's Ally," by Deirdre Fulton, staff writer, Common Dreams, January 18, 2017
"Moving Beyond Resistance," by Ira Chernus, Common Dreams, January 18, 2017
You will see other articles featured on the above-linked Common Dreams pages. I recommend taking a look at those as well.
These are a couple of previous messages with routes to possible actions:
sent 11/18/2016 Action organizations that might represent one or more of your primary concern(s); (29 min video) President-Elect Trump: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
sent 1215/16 ACTONS to oppose cuts in medicare and social security programs
I got an email today from the New York Civil Liberties Union. They had just completed a poll of what people's fears are under the concept of Donald Trump being president. Here they are in order of the percentage of people polled having each fear, from highest to lowest percentages:
There are differences among the approaches that some of these people are taking. I have some physical infirmities and so do not have the full array of choices that I might have if I were at full strength physically, such as going out joining protests. So what are you going to do to help, given your personal situation?
"Throw Sand in the Gears of Everything: When it comes to stopping Trump, petitions aren’t going to do it," by Frances Fox Piven (Wikipedia link), The Nation, January 18, 2016 and republished at Common Dreams January 18, 2017
(videos of questioning by Elizabeth Warren, Al Franken, Tim Kaine) "Whoah Say What?!? Betsy DeVos Diligently Loves Congress and States' Rights and Potential Grizzlies But Schools - Not So Much (Also, Actually, Not Crazy About Kids With Disabilities)," by Abbey Zimnet, staff writer, Common Dreams, January 18, 2017. She refuses to answer questions about following and enforcing laws that are in place.
"Trump Education Nominee Betsy DeVos Lied to the Senate," by Jeremy Scahill, The Intercept, January 18, 2017 and republished in part at Common Dreams January 18, 2017
"When Women Revolted," by Laura Tanenbaum , Mark Engler, Waging Nonviolence, January 18, 2017 and republished at Common Dreams, January 18, 2017
"EPA Nominee Pruitt's Hearing Shows Him Poised to Be "Every Polluter's Ally," by Deirdre Fulton, staff writer, Common Dreams, January 18, 2017
"Moving Beyond Resistance," by Ira Chernus, Common Dreams, January 18, 2017
You will see other articles featured on the above-linked Common Dreams pages. I recommend taking a look at those as well.
These are a couple of previous messages with routes to possible actions:
sent 11/18/2016 Action organizations that might represent one or more of your primary concern(s); (29 min video) President-Elect Trump: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
sent 1215/16 ACTONS to oppose cuts in medicare and social security programs
I got an email today from the New York Civil Liberties Union. They had just completed a poll of what people's fears are under the concept of Donald Trump being president. Here they are in order of the percentage of people polled having each fear, from highest to lowest percentages:
- Increased racial hostility and white supremacy (96%)
- Attacks on Muslims and South Asians (96%)
- Attacks on immigrants (96%)
- Threats to free protest and political opposition (incl. attacks on critics, dissenters, dissidents, flag burners) (95%)
- Threats to free press (incl. attacks on reporters, bloggers) (95%)
- Threats to reproductive rights (95%)
- Increased unfairness in justice system (94%)
- Threats to voting rights (93%)
- Attacks on Latinos (92%)
- Attacks on LGBTQ people (91%)
- Attacks on women (91%)
- Attacks on Blacks (90%)
- Threats to public education (89%)
- Attacks on low-income people (76%)
- Attacks on people with disabilities (69%)
- Attacks on students (55%)
sent 1/11/17 long term action please, and please take this viral: Carolyn Hax: 'You’ll never talk someone out of bigotry by not talking to them"
I saw this column in the local paper today. The title that I saw
was "Friends Show True Colors With Bigotry." Whatever the title I think
the text is great. Carolyn Hax came up with a good idea!
'You’ll never talk someone out of bigotry by not talking to them," by Carolyn Has, The Washington Post, January 10, 2016.
"Have your resistance ready and do not flinch — or flare — when it’s time to use it. --Carolyn Hax There's more.
This is for long term action please, and please take this viral. Because opposing bigotry matters!
'You’ll never talk someone out of bigotry by not talking to them," by Carolyn Has, The Washington Post, January 10, 2016.
"Have your resistance ready and do not flinch — or flare — when it’s time to use it. --Carolyn Hax There's more.
This is for long term action please, and please take this viral. Because opposing bigotry matters!
sent 1/9/2017 The fabulous Meryl Streep stood up last night
Last night Meryl Streep received a well-deserved Lifetime
Achievement award at the Golden Globe awards. And she spoke.
Please watch what she said. It is most definitely worth seeing. It
is just under four minutes. https://www.democracynow.org/2017/1/9/watch_meryl_streep_slams_trump_for
If you would like to download the mp4 and watch it locally, there is a box with a down arrow under the rest of the vertical row of boxes at the left. Hover on that and then right click on "Download video."
Note that the title in the link might have been different. "Slamming" Trump for his setting a horrible example of how to behave toward others was not the only big part of it. The other big part is about big actors and actresses and the rest of us doing all that we can to support the press in standing up for truth rather than being obsequious in the face of power. She was great. Watch please.
If you would like to download the mp4 and watch it locally, there is a box with a down arrow under the rest of the vertical row of boxes at the left. Hover on that and then right click on "Download video."
Note that the title in the link might have been different. "Slamming" Trump for his setting a horrible example of how to behave toward others was not the only big part of it. The other big part is about big actors and actresses and the rest of us doing all that we can to support the press in standing up for truth rather than being obsequious in the face of power. She was great. Watch please.
sent 4/1/17 April 22, 2017 event please read and take this viral: "As Trump Wages War on Science, Energy Grows for Worldwide March for Science"
[no, not an April Fool's joke]
---------------------------
April 22, 2017 event please read and take this viral: "As Trump Wages War on Science, Energy Grows for Worldwide March for Science," by Nika Knight, staff writer, Common Dreams, March 31, 2017
Four hundred (400) events in 37 countries including a massive march in Washington, D.C.
There is no mention of a lot of Trump-supporting right-wing fundamentalist creationists showing up but hey, who knows.
I have reached a tentative operating conclusion just for myself that getting the earth back to where it was is probably not going to happen. It looks as though it is just going to be getting worse, is how it looks to me to be honest.
But: I do know, first of all, that prolonging your access and your children's access to air that is healthy for you and them to breath and to water that is healthy for you and them to drink--outdoors even--goes hand in hand with working hand in hand with those those who are working to reverse planetary heating as if they really think that possible. Maintaining some healthy air and some healthy water for the shorter term is a side-benefit of working with them.
So no, I do not think that you would be being an idiot if you went to Washington to be there and visible to the bankers and politicians on April 22, 2017 even though I myself just cannot do that sort of thing anymore physically. You would be helping to threaten some of their precious seats. They know that 2018 is not that far away.
For background, you might want to see any or all of:
"New EPA documents reveal even deeper proposed cuts to staff and programs," by Juliet Eilperin, Chris Mooney and Steven Mufson, The Washington Post, March 31, 2017
This is somewhat repetitious of things you probably knew before, but the new report on the topic of "planetary wave stalling" is new to me. The idea of the weather standing still in certain parts of the world is perhaps more than a bit scary, especially if you live in one of the areas affected. "Basically, the Arctic Is Melting, the World Has Gone Crazy, and It's All Our Fault: Global warming is causing extreme weather, and new research shows humans are to blame," by Damian Carrington, Mother Jones, March 28, 2017
"A Scientist Just Spent 2 Hours Debating the Biggest Global Warming Deniers in Congress," by Rebecca Leber, Mother Jones, March 29, 2017. You might remember the name Michael Mann. He is a climatologist and a geophysicist who is a leader among the scientists who are not being paid by those in the fossil fuel industries such as the Koch brothers. I have sent references to his writings including at least one of his major books several times in the past. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_E._Mann
"I Ran George W. Bush’s EPA—and Trump’s Cuts to the Agency Would Endanger Lives," by Christine Todd Whitman, The Atlantic, March 31, 2017. See there about air and water in the shorter term. WITH DETAILS.
"Is it socially acceptable to challenge climate denial?" by Adam Corner, The Guardian, March 31, 2017. Mr. Corner points out that one might lose a friend or two but does not quite stop there. Talking about this is important. For whatever reason, that article has multiple times more downvotes than it has upvotes, I note.
"Why Is It Difficult to Get Christians to Care About the Earth?" by Stephen Mattson, Sojourners, March 28, 2017.
--------------------------------------------------
http://larryatblogspot.blogspot.com/search?q=Mann shows past messages that I have sent through December 2016 that mention Michael Mann in the subject or in the body.
sent 3/18/14 HELP SHARE THE FACT THAT global warming is NOT in dispute
sent 6/27/14 climate disaster is not so bad right around where I am; "Warmest May temperatures on record worldwide"; Monsanto GM foods This one has a mix of two things that I and others had been studying, planetary heating and Monsanto's glyphosate product.
love,
Larry
---------------------------
April 22, 2017 event please read and take this viral: "As Trump Wages War on Science, Energy Grows for Worldwide March for Science," by Nika Knight, staff writer, Common Dreams, March 31, 2017
Four hundred (400) events in 37 countries including a massive march in Washington, D.C.
There is no mention of a lot of Trump-supporting right-wing fundamentalist creationists showing up but hey, who knows.
I have reached a tentative operating conclusion just for myself that getting the earth back to where it was is probably not going to happen. It looks as though it is just going to be getting worse, is how it looks to me to be honest.
But: I do know, first of all, that prolonging your access and your children's access to air that is healthy for you and them to breath and to water that is healthy for you and them to drink--outdoors even--goes hand in hand with working hand in hand with those those who are working to reverse planetary heating as if they really think that possible. Maintaining some healthy air and some healthy water for the shorter term is a side-benefit of working with them.
So no, I do not think that you would be being an idiot if you went to Washington to be there and visible to the bankers and politicians on April 22, 2017 even though I myself just cannot do that sort of thing anymore physically. You would be helping to threaten some of their precious seats. They know that 2018 is not that far away.
For background, you might want to see any or all of:
"New EPA documents reveal even deeper proposed cuts to staff and programs," by Juliet Eilperin, Chris Mooney and Steven Mufson, The Washington Post, March 31, 2017
This is somewhat repetitious of things you probably knew before, but the new report on the topic of "planetary wave stalling" is new to me. The idea of the weather standing still in certain parts of the world is perhaps more than a bit scary, especially if you live in one of the areas affected. "Basically, the Arctic Is Melting, the World Has Gone Crazy, and It's All Our Fault: Global warming is causing extreme weather, and new research shows humans are to blame," by Damian Carrington, Mother Jones, March 28, 2017
"A Scientist Just Spent 2 Hours Debating the Biggest Global Warming Deniers in Congress," by Rebecca Leber, Mother Jones, March 29, 2017. You might remember the name Michael Mann. He is a climatologist and a geophysicist who is a leader among the scientists who are not being paid by those in the fossil fuel industries such as the Koch brothers. I have sent references to his writings including at least one of his major books several times in the past. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_E._Mann
"I Ran George W. Bush’s EPA—and Trump’s Cuts to the Agency Would Endanger Lives," by Christine Todd Whitman, The Atlantic, March 31, 2017. See there about air and water in the shorter term. WITH DETAILS.
"Is it socially acceptable to challenge climate denial?" by Adam Corner, The Guardian, March 31, 2017. Mr. Corner points out that one might lose a friend or two but does not quite stop there. Talking about this is important. For whatever reason, that article has multiple times more downvotes than it has upvotes, I note.
"Why Is It Difficult to Get Christians to Care About the Earth?" by Stephen Mattson, Sojourners, March 28, 2017.
--------------------------------------------------
http://larryatblogspot.blogspot.com/search?q=Mann shows past messages that I have sent through December 2016 that mention Michael Mann in the subject or in the body.
sent 3/18/14 HELP SHARE THE FACT THAT global warming is NOT in dispute
sent 6/27/14 climate disaster is not so bad right around where I am; "Warmest May temperatures on record worldwide"; Monsanto GM foods This one has a mix of two things that I and others had been studying, planetary heating and Monsanto's glyphosate product.
love,
Larry
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)