caucus99percent

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That's the opening line from a very good Elvis Presley song, "Suspicious Minds". It goes..."We're caught in a trap, I can't walk out...." And so it goes with America 2017. We are truly caught in a trap. Trump is president and will be until 2021 unless he is removed, dies or steps down. Assuming that he will remain as the MFIC for the next 3 years, 11 months and 7 days (but who's counting?) how do we turn things around?

WARNING! Skip the next three paragraphs of this post.

As the Titanic, carrying 330,000,000 passengers is slowly heading beneath the waves, it may be worthwhile to keep dancing while the band plays on. And since laughter, though rare these days, is better than crying, my prescription is for you to laugh. Dammit! Whether you like it or not, LAUGH!

So here its goes.

Two articles about the Crimea "issue".

The first is by Eric Zuesse of Washington's Blog and Strategic Culture Foundation. In it, he posits:

Romania appears to be ready to set the new standard for popular political movements.

More than enough people on the right think that transgender people transitioning is a sign of a mental disorder.

Example:

Dear Connie. I cannot speak professionally but can only repeat what professionals say about what you are going through. I believe it is called Gender Dysphoria, I hope I got the spelling right, and am saddened by the fact that North Carolina doesn’t provide the help you need to readjust from the mental disorder you suffer with. It appears that allowing you to use a bathroom, locker room or shower of your choice only reinforces the disorder not helps to correct it. As compassionate legislator I seek to help people who are suffering. If you are willing I can investigate promoting legislation to help those who suffer from this disorder and with your help can work to alleviate the pain and suffering caused by this disorder. I’m willing to help if you are willing to be helped and help others.

--NC Rep. Mark Brody, cosponsor of HB 2

Of course, Brody has no science supporting his view.

Progressives appear to be the last ones in America to figure out the new political reality.
Even Bloomberg reports it as simple fact.

A couple months ago I posted this essay about three armies of sworn enemies all competing for the Syrian city of Al-Bab.
Since then the Kurds have opted out of the race, but the Syrian government and Turkish-backed rebels have pressed forward.

This article [pdf] is now completely outdated. Appeasement does not work.