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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 25 to 49 of 93. Go back in thread:
Posted by beckett2 on September 29, 2018, at 17:47:14
In reply to Re: Kavanaugh, posted by sigismund on September 29, 2018, at 17:36:42
> Not the emotional performance. When a train is late in Japan I worry the driver may commit hari kiri or whatever it is for losing face.
>yes!
From what I've read, the US is a loud culture on top of it all.
Posted by sigismund on September 29, 2018, at 17:48:08
In reply to Re: Kavanaugh, posted by beckett2 on September 29, 2018, at 16:38:11
> he's already come close if not outright perjury, but what stops the clock here is a story from HS.
What is HS?
His questioning of Monica Lewinski, his work on torture. What's the other one?
How many beers is too many? That was a moment. I would guess not less than 20, but young people are resilient before the light goes out of their eyes.
Bloody prep schools. I went to one. No wonder they have to draw a line under it and ascend to sanctimony. Still, I felt the wounded narcissism was a cover for something else. (What?) He didn't believe it (the performance) and neither did anyone else, particularly his wife, and it didn't matter. The midterms are coming.
Posted by beckett2 on September 29, 2018, at 17:51:44
In reply to Re: Marty Balin, posted by sigismund on September 29, 2018, at 17:38:49
> The album is Volunteers and so is the song. It's the last one.
>
> (Meadowlands is taken from the anthem of the Red Army.)I can't recall where (Not Bob Woodward?) I read that neocon strangled the 60s. I don't have enough history to understand this.
Posted by sigismund on September 29, 2018, at 18:13:52
In reply to Re: Marty Balin » sigismund, posted by beckett2 on September 29, 2018, at 17:51:44
The reference is to the Powell Memorandum, halfway down the wiki page.
Powell Memorandum[edit]
On August 23, 1971, prior to accepting Nixon's nomination to the Supreme Court, Powell was commissioned by his neighbor, Eugene B. Sydnor Jr., a close friend and education director of the US Chamber of Commerce, to write a confidential memorandum titled "Attack on the American Free Enterprise System," an anti-Communist, anti-Fascist, anti-New Deal blueprint for conservative business interests to retake America for the chamber.[14][15] It was based in part on Powell's reaction to the work of activist Ralph Nader, whose 1965 exposé on General Motors, Unsafe at Any Speed, put a focus on the auto industry putting profit ahead of safety, which triggered the American consumer movement. Powell saw it as an undermining of Americans' faith in enterprise and another step in the slippery slope of socialism.[14] His experiences as a corporate lawyer and a director on the board of Phillip Morris from 1964 until his appointment to the Supreme Court made him a champion of the tobacco industry who railed against the growing scientific evidence linking smoking to cancer deaths.[14] He argued, unsuccessfully, that tobacco companies' First Amendment rights were being infringed when news organizations were not giving credence to the cancer denials of the industry. That was the point where Powell began to focus on the media as biased agents of socialism.[14]The memo called for corporate America to become more aggressive in molding society's thinking about business, government, politics and law in the US. It sparked wealthy heirs of earlier American Industrialists like Richard Mellon Scaife; the Earhart Foundation, money which came from an oil fortune; and the Smith Richardson Foundation, from the cough medicine dynasty;[14] to use their private charitable foundations, which did not have to report their political activities, to join the Carthage Foundation, founded by Scaife in 1964[14] to fund Powell's vision of a pro-business, anti-socialist, minimalist government-regulated America as it had been in the heyday of early American industrialism, before the Great Depression and the rise of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal.
The Powell Memorandum thus became the blueprint of the rise of the American conservative movement and the formation of a network of influential right-wing think tanks and lobbying organizations, such as The Heritage Foundation and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) as well as inspiring the US Chamber of Commerce to become far more politically active.[16][17] CUNY professor David Harvey traces the rise of neoliberalism in the US to this memo.[18][19]
Powell argued, "The most disquieting voices joining the chorus of criticism came from perfectly respectable elements of society: from the college campus, the pulpit, the media, the intellectual and literary journals, the arts and sciences, and from politicians." In the memorandum, Powell advocated "constant surveillance" of textbook and television content, as well as a purge of left-wing elements. He named consumer advocate Nader as the chief antagonist of American business. Powell urged conservatives to take a sustained media-outreach program; including funding scholars who believe in the free enterprise system, publishing books and papers from popular magazines to scholarly journals and influencing public opinion.[20]
This memo foreshadowed a number of Powell's court opinions, especially First National Bank of Boston v. Bellotti, which shifted the direction of First Amendment law by declaring that corporate financial influence of elections by independent expenditures should be protected with the same vigor as individual political speech. Much of the future Court opinion in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission relied on the same arguments raised in Bellotti.
Though written confidentially for Sydnor at the Chamber of Commerce, it was discovered by Washington Post columnist Jack Anderson, who reported on its content a year later (after Powell had joined the Supreme Court). Anderson alleged that Powell was trying to undermine the democratic system; however, in terms of business' view of itself in relation to government and public interest groups, the memo only conveyed the thinking among businessmen at the time. The real contribution of the memo, instead, was its emphasis on institution-building, particularly updating the Chamber's efforts to influence federal policy. Here, it was a major force in motivating the Chamber and other groups to modernize their efforts to lobby the federal government. Following the memo's directives, conservative foundations greatly increased, pouring money into think-tanks. This rise of conservative philanthropy led to the conservative intellectual movement and its increasing influence over mainstream political discourse, starting in the 1970s and '80s, and due chiefly to the works of the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation.[21]
Posted by sigismund on October 1, 2018, at 3:53:31
In reply to Re: Marty Balin » beckett2, posted by sigismund on September 29, 2018, at 18:13:52
I spent most of high school going to parties like this. Everyone was drunk, including the kids behind the wheel in the car home. Afterwardamazing that we liveda standard line was Oh my god, you were so wasted I was so wasted he was so wasted Everyone laughed, sometimes memorializing the events later in yearbook messages sprinkled with in-jokes. One time a girl woke me in the morning to check if the car was in the yard; she couldnt remember driving home. Plenty of kids forgot making out, passing out, throwing up. In the time since, I have not heard of anyone from that crowd accusing another or being accused of assault, but an accusers years of silence would not be surprisingsexual honesty was not our strengthnor would dumbfounded blankness on the part of the accused. Why were we so insecure with one another? Longing for connection, attention, a kiss, why were all of us, girls and boys alike mustered in our single-sex schools, so afraid that we were willing to be foolish pretending not to be, pretending that we couldnt hurt or be hurt?
Posted by beckett2 on October 5, 2018, at 13:45:36
In reply to Fun, posted by sigismund on October 1, 2018, at 3:53:31
The vote is in a few hours, and while there is a flicker of hope, I have a bad feeling, similar to election night.
Her piece, I wish, had mainstream publication because it should be read. Without going issue by hot button issue, her discussion of torture touched on all that is wrong with Kavanaugh. He is craven, self pitying, weak, a bully. I've mentioned he frightens me when he brays about reaping a whirlwind. He threatened over half the population with his partisan outbursts since over half the population vote democratically, but gerrymandering for one obscures this number.
Trump, Gina Haspel, Kavanaugh. His confirmation hearing was as she points out, a miniature of his attitude of disregard for suffering and dignity. I don't believe he once said to Blasey Ford he was sympathetic to her suffering, even if he didn't do it.
I was live streaming the senate remarks before the first vote (the vote to move to vote), and I was gobsmacked and angered by the dearth of creativity in everyone's remarks (I don't know if Kamala Harris spoke. She is a refreshing exception to this rule.) Left and right the same tired workhorses trotted forth. I muted McConnell after a minute because he is so despicable and all was a diarrhea of partisan blah blah bullsh*t.
Besides condoning torture, he aslo lied about receiving stolen emails. He claims he had no knowledge, even though he forwarded one with the subject heading 'Spying'. The emails were stolen (phished) democratic strategies from a mole within democratic headquarters.
Posted by sigismund on October 6, 2018, at 20:06:19
In reply to Re: Fun » sigismund, posted by beckett2 on October 5, 2018, at 13:45:36
Posted by beckett2 on October 8, 2018, at 19:51:17
In reply to Mark Blyth, posted by sigismund on October 6, 2018, at 20:06:19
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwpjHV1UQng
I missed this somehow, I guess because of my liberal tears shed over the SCOTUS. I'll look at it.
The only joy of the past few days was the shredding of Banksy's painting.
Posted by beckett2 on October 8, 2018, at 23:47:30
In reply to Mark Blyth, posted by sigismund on October 6, 2018, at 20:06:19
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwpjHV1UQng
Thank you. I understood some of this, and I figure if I listen/watch other videos, I'll understand more.
Posted by sigismund on October 9, 2018, at 14:42:07
In reply to Re: Mark Blyth » sigismund, posted by beckett2 on October 8, 2018, at 23:47:30
Well, he can speak and think quickly and some of it goes over my head.
I liked it because it suggests a way out of the divisive impasse.
Posted by sigismund on October 9, 2018, at 15:03:40
In reply to Re: Mark Blyth, posted by sigismund on October 9, 2018, at 14:42:07
I guess you have read this......
Posted by beckett2 on October 9, 2018, at 21:11:23
In reply to Re: Mark Blyth, posted by sigismund on October 9, 2018, at 15:03:40
> I guess you have read this......
>
> https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/10/06/kavanaugh-confirmation-temperament-yale-dean-221086I haven't, but I've left it on a tab. After the confirmation, I had to back away out of self preservation. The entire process was just-- it's all about being bullied now. That's frightening.
Someone was describing the US as a rogue superpower. As example, they gave the trade agreements the US has forced out of and upon Canada.
Posted by sigismund on October 9, 2018, at 23:40:14
In reply to Re: Mark Blyth » sigismund, posted by beckett2 on October 9, 2018, at 21:11:23
I'm not surprised you feel bad about this. Allowing for a pretty dodgy foreign policy since forever, what has become of the USA in my lifetime is one of the tragedies of the age. I remember how the USA was viewed in my parents time.
Posted by sigismund on October 17, 2018, at 16:34:16
In reply to Re: Mark Blyth » sigismund, posted by beckett2 on October 9, 2018, at 21:11:23
was talking to a Japanese chef (I guess) and one said
'The Grateful Dead are boring'
to which the other replied
'There isn't enough acid in the whole of Berkley to make them interesting'.But is this really the case?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGmg_PALJXs
If you're up for some advice from Andrew Bacevich to Elizabeth Warren
Posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 1:28:52
In reply to Anthony Bourdain » beckett2, posted by sigismund on October 17, 2018, at 16:34:16
> was talking to a Japanese chef (I guess) and one said
>
> 'The Grateful Dead are boring'
> to which the other replied
> 'There isn't enough acid in the whole of Berkley to make them interesting'.
>
> But is this really the case?
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGmg_PALJXsSome of their songs I really like. Maybe because the time in my life I heard them and the heavy rotation on NY FM radio. I dunno. Lots of folks find them the aural equivalent of paint drying, esp in CA.
>
> If you're up for some advice from Andrew Bacevich to Elizabeth Warren
>
> https://www.counterpunch.org/2018/10/16/unsolicited-advice-for-an-undeclared-presidential-candidate-a-letter-to-elizabeth-warren/Admittedly, I'm tired atm, and it's late. I've left the tab open to Bacevich to read tomorrow. Warren has been on my mind because I'm not convinced she's up for the actual battle. He's already had her produce a dna test, which, to me, means he's defining the argument as he as with others. I think Kamala Harris could kick his *ss in a debate, but she is early in her career.
I did read the first paragraph, and so Bacevich will likely discuss the military further. But I believe trump loves war because he's enchanted by power, It's to him as blood to a tick. I don't doubt that if he's up against the wall, he'll create a distraction w/o caring the death his cover would cause. Maybe I'm wrong, but this is something that keeps me awake some nights.
Today he threatened to send the military to our southern border. More and more people are held in immigrant detention where they are now working for nothing and without medical care. Yes, snakes whisper in his ear but only music to which he is susceptible.
I'm beginning to rant. Apologies for the drama :/
What do you think about trump and military conflict?
Posted by sigismund on October 19, 2018, at 4:52:10
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain » sigismund, posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 1:28:52
>What do you think about trump and military conflict?
Send him in to lead the army. Honestly, I don't know what to make of him. The only time I could say I almost but not quite liked him (I was at least amused) was when he got Steffanny/Strormy (bloody English spelling) to spank him with a rolled up copy of Forbes Magazine with the family on the cover. (It made me laugh.) Many racists are not prime examples of the breeding they profess. You would know the list with the Nazis.
I imagine he is wanting to do Iran after the midterms, depending on how that goes. Rephrasing Chairman Mao, political power grows out of narcissism. Well, some sort of power. The West is cactus. (I was reading about General George Marshall in China.) I am not more uncomfortable with Trump than CNN. Should I have to stoop to say that?
I will write later when less tired. That version of Morning Dew has some lovely guitar playing, like swallows in flight.
Posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 16:08:40
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain, posted by sigismund on October 19, 2018, at 4:52:10
I used to be very optimistic in an odd way for someone with chronic depression and personal pessimism. Now I write horrible, angry, bitter comments like above. Sure, I was angry over injustice, esp environmental injustices, but now I can barely shut off how obsessed and bitter I feel. Bitterness stings. It robs. However, when I thought my heart would break again over Kavanaugh, I was able to spin (on my wheel). So that's progress.
Posted by sigismund on October 19, 2018, at 19:44:40
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain » sigismund, posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 16:08:40
Well, I was thinking about my bitterness today.
It's not helpful. (Be the change you want to see.)
But is it appropriate?
If not now, when?
The Australian parliament just had a vote on a motion about whether it was OK to be white.
I told my friend here that 28 members had voted in favour.
He replied 'Only 28?'
I think he understood.
Just as well we have no serious problems (other than this) ahead of us.
Posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 19:54:19
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain, posted by sigismund on October 19, 2018, at 19:44:40
> Well, I was thinking about my bitterness today.
>
> It's not helpful. (Be the change you want to see.)
>
> But is it appropriate?
>
> If not now, when?
>
> The Australian parliament just had a vote on a motion about whether it was OK to be white.
>
> I told my friend here that 28 members had voted in favour.
>
> He replied 'Only 28?'
>
> I think he understood.
>
> Just as well we have no serious problems (other than this) ahead of us.What? Like ok to use the word white?
Posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 19:56:08
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain, posted by sigismund on October 19, 2018, at 19:44:40
> Well, I was thinking about my bitterness today.
>
> It's not helpful. (Be the change you want to see.)
>
> But is it appropriate?
>
> If not now, when?
>
> The Australian parliament just had a vote on a motion about whether it was OK to be white.
>
> I told my friend here that 28 members had voted in favour.
>
> He replied 'Only 28?'
>
> I think he understood.
>
> Just as well we have no serious problems (other than this) ahead of us.I think your bitterness is softer. Maybe sadder?
Posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 19:59:44
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain » sigismund, posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 19:56:08
There's this from today's Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/18/stunned-then-shocked-race-adviser-tasered-by-police-is-targeted-again
Posted by sigismund on October 20, 2018, at 4:25:45
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain » sigismund, posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 19:54:19
I am just making this up, but some people feel that cultural marxism has threatened the identity of white people who are now subject to the same discrimination as everyone else. So cultural Marxism has replaced the Politics of Envy as the Get Out of jail Free card.
I might even hazard a guess that all those coloured people threaten us by socialising together (talking together in groups!), thus the Sudanese gangs. in Melbourne that Dutton, backed by Murdoch and company, were using to get rid of Turnbull. Why should decent Mums and Dads feel threatened by groups of black (really black) young (probably handsome) young men in the streets. The movements of the politics of envy over they years is interesting.
Fortunately all Australian political parties have passed motions declaring themselves non-racist. So that fixes that. This is like King Canute.
I wouldn't call my tone here bitter. Scornful is more like it.
Posted by sigismund on October 20, 2018, at 4:53:17
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain » beckett2, posted by beckett2 on October 19, 2018, at 19:59:44
In the US a 93 yo woman was at a demonstration. There must have been a disturbance. She faced a police officer. 'Come on! Tazer me, you bastard! I dare you.'
So he did.Where we live a 16 yo boy ran naked into the street at 3 in the morning yelling for water. Acid? Meth? He refused to obey (couldn't hear or make sense of?) a reasonable police order (Stay still? Stop asking for water?) so they (four of them, I think) tazered him 16 times and beat him up with their batons. All captured on cctv. If I say 'This is the price of freedom', is that bitter? That's what Bill O'Reilly said after Las Vegas. What about 'tough love'? (a concept popularised in a book from the Reagan years, although in his defence I should mention the words from Crimmond (sp?) 'For thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff me comfort still'.
'We go to great efforts to avoid violence, using the least injurious methods of control.' Irony?
When I was a kid some police officers might have said, 'What's the matter, son? What are you doing out here with no clothes in the middle of the night? Here, take my coat, put it around you, come down to the station and have some water and a cup tea and we will see what we can do for you.' (Sounds like John Wayne trying to be gracious.)
Or was that how we imagined ourselves to be? You knew better than to be out there like that.
Posted by sigismund on October 20, 2018, at 4:59:12
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain, posted by sigismund on October 20, 2018, at 4:53:17
Posted by sigismund on October 20, 2018, at 5:05:47
In reply to Re: Anthony Bourdain, posted by sigismund on October 20, 2018, at 4:59:12
Auden is sounding more appropriate, don't you think?
In the nightmare of the dark
All the dogs of Europe bark,
And the living nations wait,
Each sequestered in its hate;Intellectual disgrace
Stares from every human face,
And the seas of pity lie
Locked and frozen in each eye.Follow, poet, follow right
To the bottom of the night,
With your unconstraining voice
Still persuade us to rejoice;With the farming of a verse
Make a vineyard of the curse,
Sing of human unsuccess
In a rapture of distress;In the deserts of the heart
Let the healing fountain start,
In the prison of his days
Teach the free man how to praise.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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