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Africa is Burning
Author: BobR
Date: 02/28/2014 13:43:00
Conflict is the bread and butter of television. Whether it's between political parties, or the U.S. and "terrorists", or the "real" housewives of some random city, the media loves to show it. If we can take sides, we can be coerced into watching. Eyeballs on the screen translates into advertising dollars, and the dollar is the bottom line.
That makes international news a little dicier for the American consumer. The conflicts in Egypt hold some interest because it appears to be Muslim -vs- non-Muslim. The power struggle in the Ukraine is a little more difficult. Everyone is white, so the bad guys aren't immediately obvious. There is concern, though, because we can see what looks like cities and white faces getting hurt, and explosions which look scary (yet safe) in HD.
But what happens when the victims AND the villains are both black? Africa as a continent is huge - much bigger than the U.S. and Europe combined. It contains over 50 countries and 15% of the planet's population. Yet discussion and footage of power struggles and war and the downright horrific atrocities occurring there are practically non-existent on TV. The continent is on fire with violence and suffering, and we go about our lives, complaining about our 1st-world problems, blissfully unaware of it all.
In the Central African Republic, there has been a bloody cycle of revenge violence occurring there between Christian and Muslim extremists. In the absence of high-powered weaponry, the weapons of choice are decidedly more medieval: machetes and fire:
Amongst all the hatred, there is a glimmer of trust:
(read the entire article - it's heartbreaking)
Some of us may be more familiar with Uganda. Like Russia, they have passed anti-LGBT laws. Sadly, these laws were encouraged by fundamentalist Christians from the U.S. In Uganda, the enforcement is more akin to lynch mobs. The world is trying to persuade them to change these, but the hate and fear is strong. Along with gays being outlawed, so have miniskirts:
Does that sound like the Taliban? These are supposedly Christians. We make jokes about the American Christian taliban trying to legislate their religious beliefs, but this is what it looks like in practice.
Nigeria, meanwhile, is becoming another Afghanistan, circa 1999. Muslim "enforcers" are doing their best (or is that their worst?) to push out any "westernization" they can target, even if that means slaughtering a schoolful of boys:
Here in America we are (rightfully) shocked, outraged, and saddened when someone goes into a school wounding and killing children with firearms. Thousands of miles away, in small towns on another continent, children are being burned alive, and then hacked with machetes or shot if they try to escape. This should be front page news, with President Obama trying to work with foreign leaders to stop the nightmare.
Instead, there's a solemn shake of the head, and secret sigh of relief that it's "just them" (you know - savages) and then we go on about our day, irritated that NetFlix doesn't carry that one movie we had our heart set on watching with a big bowl of microwave popcorn. Maybe we could even watch a nature documentary about the lions of the Serengeti to reinforce our incorrect preconceived notions about what that part of the world is like, so we don't have to feel guilty or care.
And even as you read this final sentence, another child has been slaughtered.
That makes international news a little dicier for the American consumer. The conflicts in Egypt hold some interest because it appears to be Muslim -vs- non-Muslim. The power struggle in the Ukraine is a little more difficult. Everyone is white, so the bad guys aren't immediately obvious. There is concern, though, because we can see what looks like cities and white faces getting hurt, and explosions which look scary (yet safe) in HD.
But what happens when the victims AND the villains are both black? Africa as a continent is huge - much bigger than the U.S. and Europe combined. It contains over 50 countries and 15% of the planet's population. Yet discussion and footage of power struggles and war and the downright horrific atrocities occurring there are practically non-existent on TV. The continent is on fire with violence and suffering, and we go about our lives, complaining about our 1st-world problems, blissfully unaware of it all.
In the Central African Republic, there has been a bloody cycle of revenge violence occurring there between Christian and Muslim extremists. In the absence of high-powered weaponry, the weapons of choice are decidedly more medieval: machetes and fire:
On Tuesday and Wednesday most of the 11 corpses collected around Bangui were from the PK-5 neighbourhood, where Christians and Muslims had previously lived peacefully together.
"Many were chopped to pieces," said a Central African Red Cross official in charge of collecting the bodies.
Until the last few days, the area had escaped the worst of the sectarian violence that has decimated other parts of the capital.
"PK-5 is the last neighbourhood we still call our own but for the last three days things have gotten worse," said a man who would not give his name.
Amongst all the hatred, there is a glimmer of trust:
In a country busily ripping itself apart in a bloodthirsty cycle of revenge, Father Fagba and his congregation are a remarkable exception – an unlikely group now bound together by a messy combination of high ideals and the purest desperation.
The crowds sheltering inside his church – families camped out in the aisles, luggage piled high on the altar, bags of food in the font, Christmas bunting still hanging from the rafters – are all Muslims seeking sanctuary, convinced that if they leave the compound they will be killed on the spot on the dusty streets of Boali.
Some of us may be more familiar with Uganda. Like Russia, they have passed anti-LGBT laws. Sadly, these laws were encouraged by fundamentalist Christians from the U.S. In Uganda, the enforcement is more akin to lynch mobs. The world is trying to persuade them to change these, but the hate and fear is strong. Along with gays being outlawed, so have miniskirts:
The recently signed Anti-Pornography Act 2014, broadly defines pornography as "any representation of the sexual parts of a person for primarily sexual excitement". Simon Lokodo, Uganda's ethics and integrity minister and a former Catholic priest, has vowed that women wearing clothing that stopped above the knee would be arrested in a revival of Idi Amin's 1970s law, which was on the statute books until 2002.
[...]
So can women wear miniskirts in public? The Ugandan cabinet is currently reviewing the bill in response to public attacks on women. On Monday, after the ceremonial signing of the anti-gay bill, Lokodo made his feelings clear, saying: "Put on a miniskirt but please don't expose your thighs, your buttocks and your genitalia. Finished." But while women continue to suffer as a result of his bill, the problem is far from over
Does that sound like the Taliban? These are supposedly Christians. We make jokes about the American Christian taliban trying to legislate their religious beliefs, but this is what it looks like in practice.
Nigeria, meanwhile, is becoming another Afghanistan, circa 1999. Muslim "enforcers" are doing their best (or is that their worst?) to push out any "westernization" they can target, even if that means slaughtering a schoolful of boys:
On Tuesday at 2 a.m., in a familiar pattern of early morning raids, the radicals set fire to a boarding school in Yobe State and killed students aged 10-16 as they tried to escape. Other students perished in the blaze, according to teachers, some of whom escaped into the bush.
[...]
Since the state of emergency announced by President Goodluck Jonathan last spring, Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is sinful," has launched an escalating series of raids and indiscriminate slaughters at schools, along roads, in mosques, at churches, and at communication centers. Of late, it's been attacking entire towns in the north.
Here in America we are (rightfully) shocked, outraged, and saddened when someone goes into a school wounding and killing children with firearms. Thousands of miles away, in small towns on another continent, children are being burned alive, and then hacked with machetes or shot if they try to escape. This should be front page news, with President Obama trying to work with foreign leaders to stop the nightmare.
Instead, there's a solemn shake of the head, and secret sigh of relief that it's "just them" (you know - savages) and then we go on about our day, irritated that NetFlix doesn't carry that one movie we had our heart set on watching with a big bowl of microwave popcorn. Maybe we could even watch a nature documentary about the lions of the Serengeti to reinforce our incorrect preconceived notions about what that part of the world is like, so we don't have to feel guilty or care.
And even as you read this final sentence, another child has been slaughtered.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 13:59:25
Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 13:59:25
What does my new messenger bag need a website for tech support?
Comment by 
Raine on 02/28/2014 14:14:20
Does it service you in any way????
Raine on 02/28/2014 14:14:20
Quote by Mondobubba:
What does my new messenger bag need a website for tech support?
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 14:16:44
Raine on 02/28/2014 14:16:44
this isn't a joke
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 14:26:43
Raine on 02/28/2014 14:26:43
Very happy that Jim Cat is back home!
Comment by 
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 14:27:26
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 14:27:26
Morning 
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 14:28:09
did you get a new bag of holding?
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 14:28:09
Quote by Mondobubba:
What does my new messenger bag need a website for tech support?
did you get a new bag of holding?
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 14:30:27
Raine on 02/28/2014 14:30:27
Camille lived for at least 17 years -- as an outdoor /indoor cat.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 14:37:54
no wonder she got pissed when you put her on a leash
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 14:37:54
Quote by Raine:
Camille lived for at least 17 years -- as an outdoor /indoor cat.
no wonder she got pissed when you put her on a leash
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 14:39:19
TRUTH! 
Raine on 02/28/2014 14:39:19
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Camille lived for at least 17 years -- as an outdoor /indoor cat.
no wonder she got pissed when you put her on a leash
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 14:40:57
Nope. Think Geek is dead to me. Their stuff doesn't last.
Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 14:40:57
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
What does my new messenger bag need a website for tech support?
did you get a new bag of holding?
Nope. Think Geek is dead to me. Their stuff doesn't last.
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 14:50:36
Raine on 02/28/2014 14:50:36
Mala, do you still watch the Bachelor?
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 14:55:46
Raine on 02/28/2014 14:55:46
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 15:02:16
no, show drives me nuts
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 15:02:16
Quote by Raine:
Mala, do you still watch the Bachelor?
no, show drives me nuts
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 15:03:06
what stuff dose these days?
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 15:03:06
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
What does my new messenger bag need a website for tech support?
did you get a new bag of holding?
Nope. Think Geek is dead to me. Their stuff doesn't last.
what stuff dose these days?
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 15:11:48
Raine on 02/28/2014 15:11:48
Comment by 
Scoopster on 02/28/2014 15:12:08
You gotta look around a bit. I found these guys through the MTG tournament broadcasts & picked up a sweet messenger bag for my gaming gear!
Scoopster on 02/28/2014 15:12:08
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
What does my new messenger bag need a website for tech support?
did you get a new bag of holding?
Nope. Think Geek is dead to me. Their stuff doesn't last.
what stuff dose these days?
You gotta look around a bit. I found these guys through the MTG tournament broadcasts & picked up a sweet messenger bag for my gaming gear!
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 15:13:37
Its not illegal, its just that business being a dick.
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 15:13:37
Quote by Raine:How is this legal?Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!
:pa.. WHAT THE FUCK?!
Its not illegal, its just that business being a dick.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 15:18:36
I am now drooling of those braclets
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 15:18:36
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
What does my new messenger bag need a website for tech support?
did you get a new bag of holding?
Nope. Think Geek is dead to me. Their stuff doesn't last.
what stuff dose these days?
You gotta look around a bit. I found these guys through the MTG tournament broadcasts & picked up a sweet messenger bag for my gaming gear!
I am now drooling of those braclets
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 15:26:53
I found a new bag, comes with tech support for it too!
Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 15:26:53
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
What does my new messenger bag need a website for tech support?
did you get a new bag of holding?
Nope. Think Geek is dead to me. Their stuff doesn't last.
what stuff dose these days?
You gotta look around a bit. I found these guys through the MTG tournament broadcasts & picked up a sweet messenger bag for my gaming gear!
I found a new bag, comes with tech support for it too!
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 15:28:29
Raine on 02/28/2014 15:28:29
This is a bit strange.
Sixty-year-old Debbie Dingell is seeking the Democratic nomination in the 12th Congressional District. Democrats are expected to easily hold the seat.
Comment by 
BobR on 02/28/2014 15:56:24
They COULD just raise their prices by 1%, but no - they have to be dickholes about it.
BobR on 02/28/2014 15:56:24
Quote by Raine:How is this legal?Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!
They COULD just raise their prices by 1%, but no - they have to be dickholes about it.
Comment by BobR on 02/28/2014 15:57:25
I heard she might run
BobR on 02/28/2014 15:57:25
Quote by Raine:
This is a bit strange.Sixty-year-old Debbie Dingell is seeking the Democratic nomination in the 12th Congressional District. Democrats are expected to easily hold the seat.
I heard she might run
Comment by Scoopster on 02/28/2014 16:57:41
The HuffPo article points out that this place is a franchise. There's 21 locations, and the charge is being added at 8 locations that are run by the same franchisee. The other 13 operators and the parent company are PISSED because of the negative press.
Oh and as far as the legality, the charge might be considered federal tax fraud.
Scoopster on 02/28/2014 16:57:41
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:How is this legal?Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!
Its not illegal, its just that business being a dick.
The HuffPo article points out that this place is a franchise. There's 21 locations, and the charge is being added at 8 locations that are run by the same franchisee. The other 13 operators and the parent company are PISSED because of the negative press.
Oh and as far as the legality, the charge might be considered federal tax fraud.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 17:02:27
Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 17:02:27
Hi, everyone!!
I hope that everyone is doing well today. Here, I am job hunting and paying attention to the local news casts. We are expecting more snow this weekend.
I hope that everyone is doing well today. Here, I am job hunting and paying attention to the local news casts. We are expecting more snow this weekend.
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 17:11:17
it does seem fraudulent.
Raine on 02/28/2014 17:11:17
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:How is this legal?Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!
Its not illegal, its just that business being a dick.
The HuffPo article points out that this place is a franchise. There's 21 locations, and the charge is being added at 8 locations that are run by the same franchisee. The other 13 operators and the parent company are PISSED because of the negative press.
Oh and as far as the legality, the charge might be considered federal tax fraud.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 17:56:39
Yeah, this is a Jacksonville story. I am so very proud!
Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 17:56:39
Quote by Raine:it does seem fraudulent.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:How is this legal?Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!
Its not illegal, its just that business being a dick.
The HuffPo article points out that this place is a franchise. There's 21 locations, and the charge is being added at 8 locations that are run by the same franchisee. The other 13 operators and the parent company are PISSED because of the negative press.
Oh and as far as the legality, the charge might be considered federal tax fraud.
Yeah, this is a Jacksonville story. I am so very proud!
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 18:12:49
Raine on 02/28/2014 18:12:49
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 18:27:38
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 18:27:38
Greatest twitter feud over GISHWHES ever. Orlando Jones and William Shatner. So awesome.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 18:46:56
Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 18:46:56
Tensions are rising in the Ukraine, as airports in Crimea have been seized by armed men. I would like to see efforts by the world community to defuse the tensions in the Ukraine, lest it turns into a full blown civil war and other nations end up taking sides in a conflict. *The U.S. is supporting the new government, which has several elements that I oppose. Meanwhile, the Russian government supports the Yanukovich, who does not have a great human rights record.) Perhaps the UN or private organizations might be able to help decrease tensions by talking to all parties in this conflict. I believe that diplomacy is a better option than force. Some people I know would call this naive, but strong disagreements voiced loudly sound better than bullets.
Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Yanukovich reappears
I got into a dispute with someone over at Nicole Sandler's chat and Malloy's chat yesterday over the Ukrainian crisis, who contends the U.S. is behind the ovrethrow of the government, which is now lead by right wing, fascist forces to use his term. He fears that this conflict could devolve into nuclear war. I argued that there were more democratic elements in the protest, and those deserve our support. (Direct support by the U.S. government may make matters worse with the Russians, so perhaps private organizations could help organize more democratic elements.) Despite all attempts to present my views, I was portrayed as naive for not presuming that all such movements are run from a basement by the president. (Do we get involved? Yes, as does every great power which then acts in its own interests - including the Russians.)
Is it me, or have we now reached a point where some on the Left see the U.S. -- both the government and the people -- incapable of taking any positive action in this world.
Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Yanukovich reappears
I got into a dispute with someone over at Nicole Sandler's chat and Malloy's chat yesterday over the Ukrainian crisis, who contends the U.S. is behind the ovrethrow of the government, which is now lead by right wing, fascist forces to use his term. He fears that this conflict could devolve into nuclear war. I argued that there were more democratic elements in the protest, and those deserve our support. (Direct support by the U.S. government may make matters worse with the Russians, so perhaps private organizations could help organize more democratic elements.) Despite all attempts to present my views, I was portrayed as naive for not presuming that all such movements are run from a basement by the president. (Do we get involved? Yes, as does every great power which then acts in its own interests - including the Russians.)
Is it me, or have we now reached a point where some on the Left see the U.S. -- both the government and the people -- incapable of taking any positive action in this world.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 19:28:14
Have you seen the documentary? It is amazingly interesting.
Mondobubba on 02/28/2014 19:28:14
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Godfather of "helvetica" dies at 84
One of the greatest fonts EVER.
Have you seen the documentary? It is amazingly interesting.
Comment by 
livingonli on 02/28/2014 19:43:56
livingonli on 02/28/2014 19:43:56
I just wonder what the blog's opinion is of bitcoin in light that one of the mints has filed for bankruptcy and its big popularity with Libertarians as a hedge against a collapse of the dollar or other such real currency.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 19:50:54
scam, just my opinoin
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 19:50:54
Quote by livingonli:
I just wonder what the blog's opinion is of bitcoin in light that one of the mints has filed for bankruptcy and its big popularity with Libertarians as a hedge against a collapse of the dollar or other such real currency.
scam, just my opinoin
Comment by Scoopster on 02/28/2014 19:52:27
Scoopster on 02/28/2014 19:52:27
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 19:57:21
I tend to see it as a scam as well. Currency essentially requires something to back it up. It is one thing to have the "full faith and credit" of a nation and another to have the legal equivalent of whipped cream topping.
Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 19:57:21
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
I just wonder what the blog's opinion is of bitcoin in light that one of the mints has filed for bankruptcy and its big popularity with Libertarians as a hedge against a collapse of the dollar or other such real currency.
scam, just my opinoin
I tend to see it as a scam as well. Currency essentially requires something to back it up. It is one thing to have the "full faith and credit" of a nation and another to have the legal equivalent of whipped cream topping.
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 20:23:01
Libertarian claptrap.
Raine on 02/28/2014 20:23:01
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
I just wonder what the blog's opinion is of bitcoin in light that one of the mints has filed for bankruptcy and its big popularity with Libertarians as a hedge against a collapse of the dollar or other such real currency.
scam, just my opinoin
I tend to see it as a scam as well. Currency essentially requires something to back it up. It is one thing to have the "full faith and credit" of a nation and another to have the legal equivalent of whipped cream topping.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 20:31:33
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 20:31:33
Hey Raine - who's saying we're getting 3-6 inches of snow Monday? All I'm seeing is mixed precip on weather.com and 1-2 inches on wusa.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/28/2014 20:33:57
This is the storm forecast track I've been seeing around:
Scoopster on 02/28/2014 20:33:57
Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Raine - who's saying we're getting 3-6 inches of snow Monday? All I'm seeing is mixed precip on weather.com and 1-2 inches on wusa.
This is the storm forecast track I've been seeing around:
Comment by Scoopster on 02/28/2014 20:35:10
Scoopster on 02/28/2014 20:35:10
Also, whose the dunce at the Weather Channel that named a winter storm "Titan".
Everyone knows that Shiva is the Final Fantasy eidolon that governs ice and snow.
Everyone knows that Shiva is the Final Fantasy eidolon that governs ice and snow.
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 20:40:05
We have some serious ratphuckers out there imo.
Raine on 02/28/2014 20:40:05
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Tensions are rising in the Ukraine, as airports in Crimea have been seized by armed men. I would like to see efforts by the world community to defuse the tensions in the Ukraine, lest it turns into a full blown civil war and other nations end up taking sides in a conflict. *The U.S. is supporting the new government, which has several elements that I oppose. Meanwhile, the Russian government supports the Yanukovich, who does not have a great human rights record.) Perhaps the UN or private organizations might be able to help decrease tensions by talking to all parties in this conflict. I believe that diplomacy is a better option than force. Some people I know would call this naive, but strong disagreements voiced loudly sound better than bullets.
Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Yanukovich reappears
I got into a dispute with someone over at Nicole Sandler's chat and Malloy's chat yesterday over the Ukrainian crisis, who contends the U.S. is behind the ovrethrow of the government, which is now lead by right wing, fascist forces to use his term. He fears that this conflict could devolve into nuclear war. I argued that there were more democratic elements in the protest, and those deserve our support. (Direct support by the U.S. government may make matters worse with the Russians, so perhaps private organizations could help organize more democratic elements.) Despite all attempts to present my views, I was portrayed as naive for not presuming that all such movements are run from a basement by the president. (Do we get involved? Yes, as does every great power which then acts in its own interests - including the Russians.)
Is it me, or have we now reached a point where some on the Left see the U.S. -- both the government and the people -- incapable of taking any positive action in this world.
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 20:43:08
A guy on the Weather Channel. I will say that they are still contending that things are still quite fluid.
WTOP is saying rain to snow sunday evening. Monday looks like a crap shoot, I think.
Raine on 02/28/2014 20:43:08
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Raine - who's saying we're getting 3-6 inches of snow Monday? All I'm seeing is mixed precip on weather.com and 1-2 inches on wusa.
This is the storm forecast track I've been seeing around:
WTOP is saying rain to snow sunday evening. Monday looks like a crap shoot, I think.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 20:45:30
lovely - Mom's already panicking for Monday. I need this winter to be over.
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 20:45:30
Quote by Raine:A guy on the Weather Channel. I will say that they are still contending that things are still quite fluid.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Raine - who's saying we're getting 3-6 inches of snow Monday? All I'm seeing is mixed precip on weather.com and 1-2 inches on wusa.
This is the storm forecast track I've been seeing around:
WTOP is saying rain to snow sunday evening. Monday looks like a crap shoot, I think.
lovely - Mom's already panicking for Monday. I need this winter to be over.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 20:45:34
While I presume that all governments act in what they see as their self interest, we have people who have become so cynical that they see no hope for the future. All they can do is complain and take no action. I guess that renders them impotent and lets those they think are causing problems off the hook as nothing can be done. (Would you believe that one person in the Malloy chat said Russia should invade the Ukraine?)
Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 20:45:34
Quote by Raine:We have some serious ratphuckers out there imo.Quote by Will in Chicago:
Tensions are rising in the Ukraine, as airports in Crimea have been seized by armed men. I would like to see efforts by the world community to defuse the tensions in the Ukraine, lest it turns into a full blown civil war and other nations end up taking sides in a conflict. *The U.S. is supporting the new government, which has several elements that I oppose. Meanwhile, the Russian government supports the Yanukovich, who does not have a great human rights record.) Perhaps the UN or private organizations might be able to help decrease tensions by talking to all parties in this conflict. I believe that diplomacy is a better option than force. Some people I know would call this naive, but strong disagreements voiced loudly sound better than bullets.
Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Yanukovich reappears
I got into a dispute with someone over at Nicole Sandler's chat and Malloy's chat yesterday over the Ukrainian crisis, who contends the U.S. is behind the ovrethrow of the government, which is now lead by right wing, fascist forces to use his term. He fears that this conflict could devolve into nuclear war. I argued that there were more democratic elements in the protest, and those deserve our support. (Direct support by the U.S. government may make matters worse with the Russians, so perhaps private organizations could help organize more democratic elements.) Despite all attempts to present my views, I was portrayed as naive for not presuming that all such movements are run from a basement by the president. (Do we get involved? Yes, as does every great power which then acts in its own interests - including the Russians.)
Is it me, or have we now reached a point where some on the Left see the U.S. -- both the government and the people -- incapable of taking any positive action in this world.
While I presume that all governments act in what they see as their self interest, we have people who have become so cynical that they see no hope for the future. All they can do is complain and take no action. I guess that renders them impotent and lets those they think are causing problems off the hook as nothing can be done. (Would you believe that one person in the Malloy chat said Russia should invade the Ukraine?)
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 20:47:21
We are looking at 3 to 8 inches in the Chicago area, with maybe a foot in some isolated locations. A lot of snow has melted already, so this is more annoying than devastating. (Move that much to New Orleans, and you are talking Snowmageddon down there.)
Will in Chicago on 02/28/2014 20:47:21
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:A guy on the Weather Channel. I will say that they are still contending that things are still quite fluid.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
Hey Raine - who's saying we're getting 3-6 inches of snow Monday? All I'm seeing is mixed precip on weather.com and 1-2 inches on wusa.
This is the storm forecast track I've been seeing around:
WTOP is saying rain to snow sunday evening. Monday looks like a crap shoot, I think.
lovely - Mom's already panicking for Monday. I need this winter to be over.
We are looking at 3 to 8 inches in the Chicago area, with maybe a foot in some isolated locations. A lot of snow has melted already, so this is more annoying than devastating. (Move that much to New Orleans, and you are talking Snowmageddon down there.)
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 20:50:25
Raine on 02/28/2014 20:50:25
Mala, Listen to WTOP on the ride home. They are far less hysterical than TWC.
Weather is gonna happen. no stopping that.
Weather is gonna happen. no stopping that.
Comment by Raine on 02/28/2014 20:54:28
Yes.
I have written many many times about these types of people here on this blog, Will.
Under this administration, I tire of the blame America at all costs meme. I have long sp[oken of the motive of this administration. it is NOT the same as the previous one.
There are people who WILL blame America at all costs. I do not know what they seek, but they are not helping.
Raine on 02/28/2014 20:54:28
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:We have some serious ratphuckers out there imo.Quote by Will in Chicago:
Tensions are rising in the Ukraine, as airports in Crimea have been seized by armed men. I would like to see efforts by the world community to defuse the tensions in the Ukraine, lest it turns into a full blown civil war and other nations end up taking sides in a conflict. *The U.S. is supporting the new government, which has several elements that I oppose. Meanwhile, the Russian government supports the Yanukovich, who does not have a great human rights record.) Perhaps the UN or private organizations might be able to help decrease tensions by talking to all parties in this conflict. I believe that diplomacy is a better option than force. Some people I know would call this naive, but strong disagreements voiced loudly sound better than bullets.
Armed men seize two airports in Ukraine's Crimea, Yanukovich reappears
I got into a dispute with someone over at Nicole Sandler's chat and Malloy's chat yesterday over the Ukrainian crisis, who contends the U.S. is behind the ovrethrow of the government, which is now lead by right wing, fascist forces to use his term. He fears that this conflict could devolve into nuclear war. I argued that there were more democratic elements in the protest, and those deserve our support. (Direct support by the U.S. government may make matters worse with the Russians, so perhaps private organizations could help organize more democratic elements.) Despite all attempts to present my views, I was portrayed as naive for not presuming that all such movements are run from a basement by the president. (Do we get involved? Yes, as does every great power which then acts in its own interests - including the Russians.)
Is it me, or have we now reached a point where some on the Left see the U.S. -- both the government and the people -- incapable of taking any positive action in this world.
While I presume that all governments act in what they see as their self interest, we have people who have become so cynical that they see no hope for the future. All they can do is complain and take no action. I guess that renders them impotent and lets those they think are causing problems off the hook as nothing can be done. (Would you believe that one person in the Malloy chat said Russia should invade the Ukraine?)
I have written many many times about these types of people here on this blog, Will.
Under this administration, I tire of the blame America at all costs meme. I have long sp[oken of the motive of this administration. it is NOT the same as the previous one.
There are people who WILL blame America at all costs. I do not know what they seek, but they are not helping.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/28/2014 20:59:02
Not a fan of Doug Hill - he's as bad as Topper but at least Topper doesn't predict doom and gloom
wickedpam on 02/28/2014 20:59:02
Quote by Raine:
Mala, Listen to WTOP on the ride home. They are far less hysterical than TWC.
Weather is gonna happen. no stopping that.
Not a fan of Doug Hill - he's as bad as Topper but at least Topper doesn't predict doom and gloom