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      "body": "@@ -318,16 +318,17 @@\n tion to \n+%5B\n capitali\n@@ -321,17 +321,72 @@\n n to %5Bcapitalism\n-.\n+%5D(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capitalism)\n",
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      "body": "@@ -332,82 +332,5 @@\n lism\n-, %22you keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means.%22\n+.\n",
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      "body": "Why would \"The Socialist countries will be more successful\"?  This seems to contradict history, just look at all the failed economies of the past that had very socialist policies.  Your article fails to explain why America is in the economic situation it is in, hint, it was not capitalism.  Please look up the definition to capitalism, \"you keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means.\"",
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      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the biggest problems I tend to see in our society is that people in general do not want to have conversations of substance. They do not want to take personal responsibility for the problems in our society, even when it affects them personally. They prefer to be entertained. Constantly. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p>In the cases where you can engage them in more serious conversation, it is exceedingly rare that it involves taking personal action. They watch or read the news and get angry, anxious or depressed. Yell at the screen. Sit in circles with other people and voice their angst. Continually actively seeking someone to blame for their problems but only if who they blame is even more powerless than they are, themselves. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;The most ludicrous part is when majorities or the more powerful express their victimization. Whites blaming minorities, men blaming women, rich blaming poor, Christians blaming everyone. As you make your way down the food chain, each level blames the next level down far too often. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;This is what happens when we have a society of spectators and the most powerful hold the reins of information and communication. Corporations own the media. Men hold power and control checkbooks. Priests and pastors control the pulpit while being enslaved to their biggest donors to build the next mega-church. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;In all cases, what too many people in this country do is hand the power of action to someone else. Then they do not even bother defining what actions they want performed. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;This is like hiring a contractor to build or repair your home. Then not telling them the exact repairs. You hire the contractor based on their advertising but never check references or licenses. You just tell them to fix and improve the house. “Make it better.” Then hand them your credit card. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;A good contractor will ask what specific repairs you want and in what time frame. They will tell you the steps involved and how much it will cost. Then they will set up a system where you pay as work progresses. As work progresses, they are happy to show you what has been done so far and what to expect next. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;A bad contractor will not ask you what you want. They will sell you on vague alleged upgrades and unrealistic promises. They will not tell you how long the repairs will take. They will not tell you the cost, just demand your credit card. They will charge you all they can up front. Once they have your money, they will refuse to say when work even begins. Then declare bankruptcy with no work completed but your bank account emptied while your roof caves in. When they show up in court they will claim it was all your fault for not paying enough. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;The saddest part is that too many Americans have watched this cycle repeatedly and never learn. They call the next crooked contractor that advertises loudly on TV, starting the entire cycle over again. Always choosing the bad contractors. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;If we want problems solved, we must define the solutions. Find contractors capable of performing the work. If they claim to have done any similar work, check their references. If not, make them detail how the work will be done. Demand blueprints. We must refuse to pay the bill up front. We must ask questions, demand answers and inspect the work while it is being performed. We must check and be sure the contractor is even showing up to begin the work. If they do not perform the way we want, we must fire those contractors and hire more carefully. And keep our credit cards in our own possession, not theirs. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Along the way, we have to keep in mind that there are many people living in the same house, so any changes need to meet the approval of the majority of those residents. Before even beginning the work, we must discuss any plans as adults. Not try and scream over anyone who does not agree. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;To the people who think in Jerry Springer show terms, remember they live in rotted out trailers and screw anything that walks. Home repairs to them mean getting a new screen door while leaving the leaking roof untouched. They’ll never read a contract in their life. They think taking out a payday loan to make payments on their other payday loans is normal. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<em><strong>We can do better than we have been. We must do better than we have been. Beginning with inspecting the work of the contractors we have already hired. Because that’s what an elected official is. They are not our leaders, they are our employees. We should not be following their orders, they should be following ours. When we ask questions, they should be answering, not claiming privilege over us.</strong></em> &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<em><strong>Every bit of this means that we have to be involved in determining our own future. That means seeking more education and less entertainment.</strong></em> <br>\n</p>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;For over two years we have listened to Berniebots saying that Bernie filled stadiums. Many still have that delusion.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;No, Bernie did <strong>not</strong> fill stadiums. He filled fewer seats than even Hillary did after the convention.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Know what <strong>did</strong> fill those seats? <em><strong>People</strong></em> filled those stadiums. <em><strong>Ideas</strong></em> filled those stadiums. <em><strong>WE</strong></em> filled those stadiums. <em><strong>Issues</strong></em> filled those stadiums. Issues that people wanted to talk about. That people still want to talk about. Millions of us had talked about many of the same issues for years. Many of us said we had waited our entire lives for a politician to voice those issues. Some had extended hope with Obama in 2008. He failed us miserably. <em>Note I state he failed US. He absolutely succeeded in what he had promised his corporate masters. </em>So Bernie gave us that voice. He spoke about the things we had talked about quietly for so long.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;So, what happened to his audience after the convention? Was he filling stadiums any more? No. He barely drew any more audience than Hillary herself did and that audience was historically, comically low for a presidential candidate.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;That alone is enough of an indicator of the truth. Have we stopped talking about universal healthcare? Ending wars? Increasing wages? <em><strong>ELECTION INTEGRITY?!!</strong></em>! (Something Bernie has not mentioned at all. Not once.)&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Yet, here we are 3 weeks until midterms and too many people keep talking about Bernie. Why? What is his relevance to the midterms? Nothing. He is a distraction, a diversion that keeps people from talking about issues and policies which ARE relevant right this minute.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<em><strong>That is the intent. Distract, divert, divide.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;That is the intent of paying attention to Bernie. That was part of the intent of the sexual allegations against Kavanaugh <em>as opposed to examining his past judicial decisions. </em>That is the intent of increasing rhetoric about Russia. That is the purpose of every “but Trump” message you hear.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Have you noticed Democrats attack Trump for his atrocious tariffs but they offer no alternative trade policy? Notice they remain silent about sanctions, which do just as much harm? They remain silent on increasing military threats against Russia, China and anyone else that comes along?&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;In the next three weeks I promise you are going to hear more about Russia. Probably another “this is the big one” from Mueller that is just another BS claim with no evidence. <em>How many “this is the big one” moments have there been from Mueller that would “take Trump down next month”? </em>We will hear even MORE “but Trump”. More attacks on the GOP tax cuts, just before Democrats vote to approve them.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;And we will hear a lot more about Bernie.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Just keep chasing those squirrels, look at the big bright shiny, fall in line. Don’t bother to read the policies of anyone you vote for. Just pull the blue lever and call yourself an activist. Call yourself “woke”. And then go watch more corporate TV.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<em><strong>Those issues, ideas, people will continue filling stadiums no matter WHO is talking about them in a realistic manner. And we don’t need Russiagate or election fraud denial to do it.</strong></em> <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "politics",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "more-corporate-censorship-of-progressives",
      "title": "More Corporate Censorship Of Progressives",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;This week Facebook removed hundreds of pages for what they claimed was violation of Terms Of Service (TOS) and some other claptrap. Then things got really interesting when Twitter removed many of the same users on the same day.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;This time it was not Alex Jones being removed. Many of the pages targeted were Progressive sources. Antimedia, Police The Police, Cop Block, Rachel Blevins and The Free Thought Project. <em>If you recall, in the last round of purges, some of the sources silenced were from AntiWar and several people from the Ron Paul Liberty Report.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;In each round of censorship, voices being removed are voices against corporate control and <em><strong>very strongly anti-war.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Timing is everything.</strong> Notice that these voices are being silenced immediately before the midterms. Not to mention shortly after the latest massive increase in the military budget and <em>just as the US government has been pushing for war against Russia, China, Iran and Venezuela concurrently. </em>Some of these voices have been highly critical of centrist Democrats for failing to speak out against these increased military tensions. Notice that the “Resistance” has not bothered to say one word calling for diplomacy or reduction in military aggression. They scream how Trump wants war but when he literally suggests war, they are silent. Instead, they hand him AUMF powers and the largest military budget in human history.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>You were warned.</strong> When Alex Jones was censored, I wrote a number of articles raging against his silencing. Not because I have any interest in what he has to say. <em>Seriously, do I sound like I like him?</em> I warned against what it was leading to. Many alleged Progressives fought against me for their emotional hatred of him, unable to grasp what was being said. I joined a chorus of voices including many Progressives like Jimmy Dore, Glenn Greenwald, Caitlin Johnstone, each of us saying the same thing in our own way. We warned of the dangers this was foretelling.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Alex Jones was a test case. Corporate media and the government were not testing the Conservative right, as their reaction was predictable. No, that was to test the reaction of the neo-left. Once again, the reaction was predictable.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Conservatives.</strong> Conservatives have a basic need to be led. They live their lives that way. From family traditions never questioned to religion to school to military with the government and corporations making decisions for them, they never stop to doubt. They claim they will stand up to authoritarianism and then beg for the very authoritarianism they claim to oppose. You can kill their children and leave them starving but hand them a gun and a Bible, tell them they are free and they believe you. Campaign against regime change and peace, then change that to a massive push for global domination through military force. They never even notice the difference.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Neoliberals.</strong> Neoliberals like to call themselves liberal yet are anything but. Less religious than Conservatives but still led with no ability to question. Tell them gay people can marry, that a woman can be just as much of a fascist as a man and nothing their cult does is wrong, they will fall in line. Give them the right to make pennies owning stock from the corporations that destroy their savings, bomb other countries while smiling and winking and they will fall all over themselves to let you rig the next election in favor of another billionaire. Vote for skin color or body parts, it’s all good if we murder children or threaten nuclear war. Just don’t talk about issues and policies. Predictable, controllable, will march any direction to follow a blue banner.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Progressives.</strong> Progressives are the wild card. The ones not easily controlled. We demand evidence of claims, something that can be verified, not “high confidence” opinions. We want defined policies, not vague promises. We want to know the <em><strong>how </strong></em>of anything done or anything that is being proposed. We want media that asks questions and elected officials that offer answers. We do not offer loyalty to parties that offer no loyalty to us. We want nothing to do with prejudice, religion in politics or voting for body parts. Even if we occasionally fall for propaganda, we have no problem admitting we were wrong if we learn that we were indeed wrong. Our loyalty lies with each other. We know that freedom of speech must include voices we don’t like to hear. We know attacks on those voices will become attacks on our voices, our rights.. our freedom in actual fact.. our lives. That knowledge makes us dangerous. <em>We are the ones to control, to silence by any means possible.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>What happens next? </strong>Obviously, none of us really knows what will happen next. What we do know is that midterms are in only a few weeks. That censorship, rhetoric and outrageous behavior will be amplified in these last days. We know the march to war will continue unopposed. We know our voices will be suppressed. We know that the RNC will push legislation that helps corporations and strips our rights. We know the DNC will claim to resist while confirming nominations and offering no policies that do anything for the people. <em><strong>We know that nothing is going to change after the election no matter which way it goes. Nothing will change until WE make it change. Which will NOT happen by electing the same people with the same policies in the same parties over and over and over. We cannot keep doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>What can </strong><em><strong>we</strong></em><strong> do? </strong>The only thing that we can do is keep sharing information. Be informed on election day and vote for policies, not parties. Write, call, protest, march. Do anything to get the attention of elected officials and push for actions. If one Progressive media source gets shut down, find others and support them however you can. Donate, subscribe, connect, share, converse. Don’t just hit “like” and think that’s enough. Do not just keep complaining about “the other guys”. <em><strong>Focus on solutions, not blame. Blame never solved any problem in all of human history.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<em><strong>And STFU about Russia. Russia did not censor anyone in this country. Once again, that was the corporations.</strong></em> <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "title": "The Waffle House Witch",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;No doubt you have heard that Nikki Haley is departing as US ambassador to the UN. Typically I would capitalize the title of ambassador but I seriously cannot bring her to do so at this time.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;I find it not even surprising she is being praised by MSM. I have pointed out in the past that MSM is nothing but the advertising wing of the Military Industrial Complex (MIC). We see advertising on MSM “news” stations from companies such as Boeing, Raytheon and Northrup-Grumman. When there is discussion of any potential military confrontation which could and should well be avoided by diplomacy, the people we see and hear representing the subject are retired generals and admirals under the payment system of some military contractor or a publication that also profits from advertising for the same weapons manufacturers. Never do we hear from true diplomats suggesting any path to peace. Just US bombs splattering more innocent blood, destroying entire civilizations.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;So it is natural that they would have glowing words for Haley, the Waffle House waitress that Trump saw fit to represent the US in front of an assembly of international statespersons. While most ambassadors try to foment mutual respect, compromise and paths to peace, Haley has shown what a trailer park America truly has become. <br>\n</p>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;Every moment of her time in this position has been marked by the attempt to intimidate other countries, prove how America can bully the entire planet at once, increase tensions and present false narratives while refusing to even consider investigations into her accusations against any country at all.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The most amazing thing of all is that the same MSM “news” sources continually attack Trump for his disgusting threats against other countries and then praise her for issuing those exact same threats, sometimes slipping up and announcing administration plans before authorized to do so. Trump threatens a country? They are hard on the attack. Haley issues the same threat to the same country? MSM is suddenly a cheering section for the exact thing they attacked seconds earlier.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;However, her belligerent performance before the diplomats of the world merely portray an all too common illustration of the indoctrination of the American mind. Arrogantly talking down to and about other world leaders. Threats of force endorsed by both political parties, advertised by our media, reinforced by religion. As long as we have guns, the world should bow to our bidding without question.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Never mind that those guns are purchased with money whose value is sheer fantasy, resources stolen at the muzzle of those guns and built using other resources obtained from countries we now threaten with the same guns. <em><strong>Because that’s going to work out really well.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;So, while she is going to finish out the year in her position, she will doubtlessly try and offend as many people in the UN as she can in her remaining time.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Then we get to look forward to what monstrosity will replace her. Who can be even more offensive and turn even more of the world against us. Because there is no question that trump will not appoint anyone with diplomatic skills to the post.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<em><strong>Maybe he’ll give Hillary a call and offer her the position.</strong></em> <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "permlink": "the-collapse-of-the-united-states-as-we-know-it",
      "title": "The Collapse Of The United States As We Know It",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;Last article, I laid out how we have been living under fascism for years without recognizing it for what it is. No, it did not begin under Trump but it is absolutely advancing at rapid pace.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;I always try and avoid what can be termed conspiracy theory unless there is truly compelling evidence to consider. Then I state it exactly in that way. However, there is no longer a question or doubt that America has ceased being America. Or maybe it never truly was and we are just becoming aware of that fact. With Pulitzer prize winner Chris Hedges recently publishing “America, The Farewell Tour” (Which is on my short list of books to read soon.), how can we disagree? More economists and banks who have led us into crisis are now admitting a worse crisis is coming and keep moving the time frame backward almost daily.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;I’ve been stating for years the next financial crash is coming. I maintain a page on Facebook called The Coming Crash, where I post the evidence that this will happen very soon. The short version is that most know at this point about the petroyuan system being implemented by China, even though it is downplayed drastically by MSM. What most do not grasp is that China has other economic methods they can utilize against the US which they have no used. Like the fact that they are the largest single holder of US debt globally. This is in the form of US Treasury bonds. Should they so choose, they could sell those bonds. The net effect would be that other countries and private holders of US debt would see this happening and follow suit very quickly. If cashed in by our government, the US would be forced to borrow the money to pay off the loans. If sold on the international market, other buyers would be buying old debt. <em>Ever had a loan bought by a new servicer? Same thing but on a larger scale. You get nothing out of it and your debt remains the same. </em>Yet the buyers of the old debt would <em>not</em> be buying new bonds, which is how our government borrows money. The only other option is that the US defaults on the debt, which would send the dollar into freefall as our international credit rating dropped near zero and the dollar was devalued accordingly.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;China stopped buying oil from the US last week. That was a warning shot across the bow.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;That’s a small example of how tenuous our position has become. The stock market is maintained by a select few tech stocks by companies that don’t produce anything. Yet they maintain the value of their stock by buying back shares. Only today, as I write this, the stock market declined by 832 points.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;That is the introduction. The dollar is due for a massive fall. Once it does, what happens? The obvious answer is social collapse. Inflation in double and triple digits. Job losses in the millions. Closure of retail and grocery outlets as consumers have no income to purchase anything any more. This would result in literal riots in the streets as people are evicted, foreclosed and hungry with no jobs to attend.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Think this is an extreme scenario? Not in the least. Most Americans cannot afford a $1000 emergency right this minute. Can you?&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;With such a high level of social unrest, Conservatives have the belief that they would have an advantage. Make no mistake, they probably have more guns but Progressives have greater numbers and most, like myself and my gf know extremely well how to use them. We also know survival skills. The difference is that Progressives do not rely on guns even mentally as a first means of response to problems.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Some believe the military are mostly Conservative. Not nearly as much as many think. Look at the numbers of minority and gay service members there are. These are people trained and experienced in combat. If ordered to suppress the populace, many will stand with the general populace instead in the long term. Plus there is the fact that most of our military would be engaged in conflicts in other countries. That number of conflicts would increase dramatically as our military ran out of weapons, ammunition and fuel. So the belief that the military would round us all up into camps is highly unlikely.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;I’ve written before that the draft is coming. This will be part of that. National Guard units will be activated but entire battalions will desert at a time, unwilling to enforce the orders given them to exert what amounts to martial law on their own families and neighbors.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The same holds true for police. Police are limited in number and funding. They have families and friends that live in the communities they police. They can only physically withstand a certain number of hours of work. Then, when the budgets break and departments cannot pay them for what hours they do work, they’ll be in the same situation as the rest of us. Which side will they take? That’s not difficult to predict.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;So many people are afraid of a scenario resembling Nazi Germany or something like that. They forget the Nazis had help from other countries when they came to power. Help like from the US, who supported Nazis to oppose the Soviet Union. Who is going to help the US government wrest control of a populace as large as our own? Nobody. Not when we are already broke, in debt and attempting to threaten our own allies. Even the US only helped the Nazis as long as there was profit in it. Once the profit ran dry, so did our support. We’ve already stolen, suppressed or broken all of our profit streams for other countries to bother offering help if they wanted to.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;No, I am not suggesting this means we would have nonstop rioting and looting. Looting will definitely happen. However, the lack of the ability of the government to use force is what will save us from large scale violence.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Instead, it’s far more likely that warehouses will be raided, supplies shared among the populace. We would find ways to help each other. That’s what the poorest among us have always done to survive in the worst of times. Now we have the advantage of small scale renewable energy. I would expect neighborhoods to install systems which provide energy for all the homes in that neighborhood. <em>Yeah, some of the supplies and equipment will be stolen from wealthier neighborhoods and commercial sources. Call that karma.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;It may well be that the US breaks up into numerous smaller countries. This is a logical conclusion, as one state after another will secede to distance themselves from the crippling national debt, the draft and to form new trade agreements with each other and other countries. Some will have capitalist economies while others will have varying degrees of Socialist economies and social structures. The Socialist countries will be more successful while the capitalist countries will have more hierarchic arrangements with weaker economies. They may go as far as attempting to invade neighbors at some point.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;It won’t mean complete disintegration, as the various new countries will likely join into a confederated arrangement of countries. This will be mandated because of the size and existing interdependence of the current states, travel, customs, etc. We will wind up resembling Europe.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;I know many people are going to reject these ideas outright. Others will cry and whine and bellyache in an emotional spasm. However, this is all logical progression from where we are now. It will become a matter of survival. It will take place over a period of time but will happen in the near future. Emotional obsession with the idea of the “United States” will be displaced by more practical considerations if no absolutely radical leftward shift occurs. The chances of that happening are long past. <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "body": "Hi! I am a robot. I just upvoted you! I found similar content that readers might be interested in:\nhttps://medium.com/@russellmeyers_35963/yet-further-into-fascism-5106948eba3b",
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      "title": "Yet Further Into Fascism",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;On Sat, 10/6/18 Kavanaugh was confirmed to the Supreme Court. If you did not expect this to happen, sorry but you were deluding yourself.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;If you thought the sexual allegations were going to stop him from being confirmed, you were also deluding yourself. The sexual allegations were nothing but a diversion, as I pointed out previously. The allegations and the vote to confirm him were nothing but theater. The Dims wanted him in office just as much as the Repugs did. Why? Because he is as much or more of a corporate puppet as they are.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The sexual allegations against him were a distraction, a diversion. If they had not brought up the sexual allegations, there was too much chance the Democrats would have had to examine his judicial history, which has been extremely corporate-friendly, ruling in favor of corporations over people consistently for many years. Then if they examined his history, they would have been forced to address their own policies. Or lack of policies, to be more precise. That was something they had to avoid at all costs.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;I have written before, in <a href=\"https://medium.com/@russellmeyers_35963/fascism-now-933a2633267d\">this</a> article that we have been living under fascism for years. Most people in this country do not understand fascism and try to equate fascism with a single leader, a singular name. Fascism is a system which is primarily corporate in nature. The biggest problem we have is that <em><strong>most Americans are literally waiting for the fascist corporate media to tell them they are living under fascism.</strong></em> That’s not how this works. That’s not how any of this works.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;When do you think people living under fascism in other countries figured out they were living under fascism? Did they heed warning signs before the point of no return? Think of not only Nazi Germany. Think of Spain and Franco. Think of Italy and Mussolini. Cambodia and Pol Pot. Most people want to think of the Soviet Union under Stalin, which is literally the least accurate example to consider. He was absolutely authoritarian but not truly a fascist, as our definition of fascism evolves.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Have you noticed anything that these leaders all have in common? No? How about the fact that the US government supported each and every one of them on their rise to the top? Look back at your history books, not to how these leaders ended but how they began. It was only when those leaders showed they would not be profitable to US interests that the support of our government was withdrawn. I can offer many more examples such as Pinochet, Saddam Hussein and numerous other dictators we not only supported but actively helped install into power. I can list and list but it does no good for those who still think that we are the “good guys”.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;In the past week or two our government has threatened to conduct a naval blockade of Russia. Calling it an “energy blockade”, it includes the use of amphibious vehicles because most of Russia’s oil supply to other countries flows through pipelines. This comes after attempts to enact sanctions failed due to EU objections.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Our government has threatened to conduct a first strike against Russia. While the only allegations against Russia (unproven still) have to do with electronic warfare. In the cases where there may be some evidence it was announced months after the fact and entailed spies doing what spies do. What our spies do in other countries around the world on a daily basis. On an even lower level. They have not been caught tapping the phone of Angela Merkel, as our government was openly documented as doing.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Multiple maritime confrontations with Chinese ships in Chinese waters inside of two weeks.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;How many countries must we bomb? How much must we steal from our own pockets to pay for those bombs? How many countries must we threaten? How many Americans must go homeless? How many must die from lack of medical care? How many must go bankrupt? How many children must drink water which causes permanent developmental damage? How many fraudulent elections must we have? How many women must be sexually abused? How many people must go hungry? How many homes must go into foreclosure? How many young people must we give antidepressants? How many overdoses must we allow? How many protesters must be arrested for speaking out? How many hungry must suffer for how long? How many overtime hours must YOU work in your life? How many citizens must pay on student loans for how many years? How many dead and wounded soldiers must we create? How many bridges must collapse? How many people must suffer after natural disasters? How many unarmed citizens must be beaten or gunned down in the streets by police?&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<em><strong>What does it take for you to realize we are NOT the “good guys”?</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;We can be. But only when we stand up, stand together. <strong>Put aside</strong> party labels, names, cults, bigotry in all forms and support each other instead of those at the top who step on us every chance they have. That is the <em><strong>only</strong></em> way this country will live up to it’s potential and the image we have of ourselves.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;It’s time to look at what our real options are. I’ll do that in the next article. <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "the-american-threat",
      "title": "The American Threat",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p>In the last weeks we have heard of US military threats and confrontations regarding multiple countries. <br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><strong>China.</strong> In the South China Sea, US ships have encroached on waters where they truly have no purpose. In one instance, it led to a confrontation and near collision with a Chinese ship diverting the US ship from a controlled area. Of course, the US blamed the Chinese ship. <br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><strong>Russia.</strong> Our government is increasing tensions with Russia to the degree of inferring that the US would conduct a preemptive missile strike. These are not words to be taken lightly regarding any country but when it involves one nuclear power against another, the implications and risks become truly deadly. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><strong>Venezuela.</strong> Regarding Venezuela, we have heard multiple times of threats of a military invasion because our government does not like the way they run their economy. Even though their economic distress is solely due to sanctions placed on that country! There is no accusation of Venezuela being considered a military threat to any country at all. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><strong>Over 80 countries under threat by the US.</strong> The threats are not only military. The UN Peace Council makes clear that <em>sanctions are acts of war.</em> Yet the US has active sanctions against at least 20 countries at this moment, with threats of sanctions against over 80 countries. Make no mistake, sanctions cause economic distress, failure of entire industries, sickness, hunger, starvation and death. There is nothing peaceful about sanctions, they just don’t involve bombs. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><strong>Iran.</strong> Yesterday the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an order to the US to lift sanctions against Iran because the sanctions are causing humanitarian suffering and risk aviation safety. The US was ordered to lift sanction which limit Iran’s importation of food, agricultural commodities, medication/medical supplies and replacement parts and equipment for aviation safety. The US has refused to comply and has withdrawn from the 1955 Amity Treaty with Iran. This, after withdrawing from the multinational JCPOA, signed by 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p>Right now it has been 220 years since Iran invaded another country. The US makes the laughable claim that Iran is the world leading sponsor of terror. Even as the US sends Israel almost $4 billion each year while Israel conducts genocide against the Palestinian people. We trade with Saudi Arabia which profits them more $billions each year, then sell them weapons which they use to commit genocide in Yemen. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><strong>Syria.</strong> It is well known and documented that the US has financially backed and armed terrorist groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda in Syria and perhaps Iraq. There was no refugee crisis from either of these countries until the US got involved. Their cities were intact. Did they have some problems? Maybe so but nothing like they have now. Their country will <strong>never </strong>fully recover from what we have done to them. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p>Yet we maintain a military presence in Syria which the UN Peace Council has made clear is <em>illegal under international law. </em>We have bombed them using $multi-million missiles for accusations of actions that were proven once inconclusive and once completely false. Yet refuse to wait or endorse an investigation on the ground by the OPCW. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><strong>Our own people.</strong> Even the citizens of the US are not safe from our own government. Consider the assault on the Water Protectors in 2016–17 North Dakota against the DAPL. Native Americans and civilians who joined with them to protest a pipeline were arrested, shot with rubber bullets at close range and sprayed with water in sub-freezing temperatures at night. All done by law enforcement paid by taxpayers and defending the rights of a corporation over the people. Regarding a pipeline that later ruptured underground. Ferguson Missouri is well documented. The rising tide of police abuse gains more evidence daily. Chicago shown to have have a police black ops site for years. We have no idea how many other police departments have similar sites we don’t yet know about. Flint, MI called attention to the problem of lead in the water yet many cities have even higher levels of lead. Censorship, which I have written about many times. This list could go on for days. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><strong>No reason to trust the US.</strong> As of this point, other countries truly have no reason to trust the US government. Our history of failing to adhere to treaties with Native Americans is known globally. Our history of racism is legendary. Our fabrication of evidence to wage military invasion is known and feared by all countries. Even past empires made no such pretense of humanitarian cause or righteous indignation for invading countries (since the Crusades, that is). Past empires invaded countries with the express intent of seizing resources for their own enrichment. However, that was before the League of Nations and the UN. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p>It is amazing to me that the US is allowed to be a permanent member of the UN Security Council. There has been no other country in history that has caused as much of a risk to global security as the US. The mention of the CIA causes cold chills for most global leaders. It’s not even something to joke about with them. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p>Many people want to blame only Donald Trump for these actions. Yet he is simply a continuation of US policy for decades which has slowly escalated. His actions are more blatant but ask people in most countries if they are the least bit surprised by our actions. They will tell you no. This level of escalation is something other countries have hoped against but expected to eventually happen. They had hoped they would not see it in their lifetime. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><em>For most US citizens, we expected it less than other countries and thought we would never see it come to this. This is not the country we were raised to believe we are. Many deny it because they do not want it to be true. Yet we can no longer run from the fact that this is what our government represents to other countries and our own citizens. WE are the oppressors. WE are the evil regime. WE are the terrorists. </em>&nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p>Denying this does nothing to change it. Closing our eyes does not help. The <em>only</em> way we stand a chance of correcting the situation is waking up, seeing our country for what it has become and changing it. Before the rest of the world decides to change it for us. <em>Which they are becoming more prone to do on a daily basis. </em>&nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p>So, what’s it going to be? <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "bernie",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "bernie-didn-t-do-it",
      "title": "Bernie Didn't Do It",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;Since the announcement that Amazon will increase wages for workers to $15 an hour, lots of people have been giving loads of credit to Bernie Sanders. In fact, only a small fraction of credit should be given to him.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The bill he introduced would have forced Amazon and other corporations to pay a 100% tax for employees claiming public assistance. I will state I have not read that bill but by logic one would have to assume the tax would only apply to full time employees who receive assistance.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;So, his bill would have left open the option for companies to cut worker’s hours to part time and/or employ subcontractors. Then they would not be subject to the tax at all. In fact, this bill would have encouraged reducing hours for full time employees.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The bill would have done nothing at all for workers who are forced to work multiple low-wage, part time jobs or temporary workers paid on contract.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;It was also introduced as a time when social support programs are being gutted, making it more difficult for workers to qualify for any benefits at all and if they do the benefits they receive are becoming less and less. Meaning that if such employers ever paid any additional tax due to this bill, the amount would have decreased over time as support programs are dismantled.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Nor would his bill have done anything for the many workers who fall into the gray area where they make too much for public assistance yet not enough to pay their bills consistently. <em>That’s a gray area millions of Americans are no stranger to, including myself.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;As of this time, I have no idea if his bill gained any cosponsors at all. Even if it did, it would have to be submitted for a vote <em>if it ever got that far. </em>Then there is no guarantee that Republicans or centrist Democrats would have passed that bill.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;In the end, his bill was a red herring and nothing else. It did not in any way affect real wages in a positive way.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;So, who are the real heroes in this instance? I nominate the Progressive media voices who have been talking about this issue continuously for several years now. Nothing about the subject has been reported on corporate media. Instead, they have been reporting that wages are increasing. <em>Has YOUR income increased in the last 2–3 years? Or even longer? Even if it did, can it be in any way attributed to anything the government has done?</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;I credit the protesters who have marched, written, called elected officials. I credit those who have been trying to organize unions against state laws that favor the corporations. I credit those who have suffered time in jail for standing up for themselves and millions of others.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;I credit the millions of people who have reduced or even stopped spending with unethical employers. Most cannot afford to do so for obvious reasons.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<em><strong>I credit We The People, who have banded together across party lines to accomplish something. No single party, no single name deserves credit for this happening. WE did this.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Keep in mind that this is only a token victory and the fight is far from over. That fight will not be over until every single full time worker in this country has an income which does not leave them destitute enough to need public assistance. <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "author": "p-props",
      "permlink": "re-andunityforall-kavanaugh-is-just-another-symptom-20181001t135351587z",
      "title": "",
      "body": "I've been wondering when somebody might just say \"is this guy worth all the hassle\" and just put somebody else forward for appointment but hey the best guy you've got as leader is Trump apparently so I guess that will never happen.",
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      "parent_author": "andunityforall",
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      "author": "cheetah",
      "permlink": "cheetah-re-andunityforallkavanaugh-is-just-another-symptom",
      "title": "",
      "body": "Hi! I am a robot. I just upvoted you! I found similar content that readers might be interested in:\nhttps://medium.com/@russellmeyers_35963/kavanaugh-is-just-another-symptom-63e3bd9e382a",
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      "parent_permlink": "politics",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "kavanaugh-is-just-another-symptom",
      "title": "Kavanaugh Is Just Another Symptom",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;In the midst of the rage and drama of the sexual allegations, the partisan conflict over Kavanaugh, it seems most people on many sides have failed to ask one question- Why would anyone support him?&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The controversy over Kavanaugh has merely served as another distraction, a diversion from policy and issues. It is another partisan circus.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Few, if any of those claiming to support Kavanaugh have bothered looking at his judicial record. Those on the right and <em>alleged</em> Progressives support him not because he represents any ethical considerations they endorse. They support him <strong>only</strong> because the centrist Democrats oppose him.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;In truth, without the abuse accusations leveled against him, I have expected from the beginning that the DNC would turn this into theater and then confirm him because their corporate masters would demand it. That may yet happen.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;When one looks at his judicial record, it becomes crystal clear that he supports corporate power over the rights of citizens. He has ruled in favor of corporations in roughly 90% of cases where citizens confronted corporate power.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Where that relates to the sexual allegations against him, his judicial rulings absolutely illustrate a mindset of elitism, the right of the privileged to subjugate those less powerful. <em>This is the mindset of an abuser.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;His entire tirade in front of the judiciary oversight committee was another illustration of that mindset. From raging to tears to avoiding questions by diversion, he showed himself to believe he is above questioning.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;However, I am not going to target him specifically for this behavior. He is merely another symptom of the rank, defiled mental derangement which permeates our government. This is the result of centuries of the financial elite ruling this country. The belief in privilege has been handed down from generation to generation by financial privilege and political power.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The show put on by Kavanaugh was as disgusting or more so than that displayed by Strzok. Yet we have seen deleted emails, immunity deals, “classified” information, executive privilege, a war against whistle blowers, torture as policy, bankers destroy the economy with no consequence and indeed given massive bonuses, investigations that never view the alleged crime scene, investigations that disappear into thin air without a word.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;It doesn’t matter which side of the aisle one is on, the same illness should be apparent for all to see. It is a plague eating our government, infecting the media and destroying this country. It has nothing to do with Russia or China or immigrants. Every bit of this disease flows from WAR Street.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;In this particular case, we may be saved from an abusive corporate elitist judge being confirmed for SCOTUS. That is yet to be seen. It barely matters, as another Conservative nominee will follow him and if that one is not confirmed, another Conservative will again follow. However, the Democrats already confirmed 15 Conservatives to lifetime federal benches in a single week before Labor Day. Because.. “Resistance”.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;We all have to awaken each other by discussing issues and policies. Break this partisan stranglehold which has no substance. It does not matter if policies that hand more power to corporations come from the right or the center. It does not matter if the person claiming to be above accountability is Democrat or Republican.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Stop thinking in cult mentalities. Start paying attention to the fact that they are all the same. The only thing that changes is the color of their tie or pantsuit. Listen to what they are <strong>not</strong> saying. Because all of the elitists are abusers and we are the victims. If you support the abusers, it is no different from Stockholm Syndrome.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<em>Note: None of this is intended to say that his alleged sexual aggressions are not serious. Such actions are definitely serious. However, focusing on this opens the door to ignoring the judicial history involved. Sexual abuse and impropriety has proven quite common in our government and media. It is something we, as a society, must address over time. Part of addressing that means facing it head on and not rewarding or expecting aggressive behavior.</em> <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "politics",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "arms-sales-create-jobs",
      "title": "Arms Sales Create Jobs",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;As I mentioned my gf in the intro to my last article, I feel it proper to do the same in the intro to this one. She actually had no problem with the last article. One of the things I still love this wonderful woman for. She is open minded and always willing to discuss, not argue. We help each other evolve intellectually, mentally and emotionally. She remains the absolute best woman I have ever been involved with. Best woman I have ever met, as far as I know. So if anyone got the impression there was any form of conflict or dissension between us, that was my own error in poor wording. She has me completely- mind, body and soul. Nobody can compete with her.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;For a number of years, the US has been selling weapons to other countries. Most notably and controversially Saudi Arabia and Israel. Each of whom are committing genocide in their own respects with the weapons we sell them.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Put that aside for a moment and consider the major claim used to promote these sales when presented to Americans. The major claim is that it creates jobs and makes money.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Comparisons.</strong> I’ll agree that it creates some jobs. Know what else creates jobs? Building and repairing highways and streets. Public infrastructure. We could provide child care to low income (or all) children and that would create jobs. I already wrote an article on how universal healthcare would create many thousands of living wage jobs while saving and improving lives. Each of these things would make our everyday lives safer from real threats, not imaginary threats.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;What they do not have in common with building weapons? None of them kill people directly. Instead they improve lives, save lives and would create jobs across the entire country. Each one also has a cumulative effect of increasing disposable income in some way.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;In fact, so much of building weapons has been automated that the number of jobs it creates is rather negligible. The number of people who can claim to be a new hire for such jobs is anecdotal. So much so that I have never personally spoken with anyone that has been hired to one of those jobs. Those are legacy jobs. Same people or families that worked them 30 years ago are the ones doing so now. Possibly even fewer. Far fewer jobs in health care or highway repair and construction even <em>could</em> be automated at this time.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Public cost, corporate profit.</strong> Now, as far as making money is concerned, that is with massive sleight of hand. The truth is that selling weapons <em>costs</em> the US money. At least, for you and I. Not for the military contractors, of course.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The ultimate fact is that the US gives other countries over $90 billion per year on average. Many of those countries use part of that money to buy weapons from us. <em>You know, that’s what we call humanitarian aid.</em> Not all the money comes back to us from those countries, though. Part of the money goes straight into the bank accounts of the corrupt leaders of those countries.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Yet to give countries that money, we have to remove that money from our own societal support programs such as infrastructure, education, disease prevention, etc.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;In any case, the money we give other countries is borrowed. Which drives up the national debt. Then we have to pay interest on those loans. The total interest on the national debt for 2018 is expected to be over $494 Billion. So, to see the real effect on our economy, we must combine the interest plus the actual loan amount from our own working economy. So that is over $580 Billion removed from our economy on an annual basis. <em>No, not all of that is a result of weapons sales but that is all money we pay in and get </em><em><strong>nothing</strong></em><em> in return for.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;On top of that, the last tax bill gave a tax cut to corporations and the rich. That equates to unknown $billions more removed from the economy. Where does the money go? Corporate coffers. Stock dividends. Just announce the chance of another war, another invasion and watch what happens with weapons contractor stock prices within hours.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The problems with arms sales do not end there.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Safety?</strong> Another reason arms sales are promoted to the public is the claim that this makes us safer. If it makes us so safe, why is our military budget increasing by tens of $billions every single year? Why haven’t we ended any conflict we have entered in 17 years? Why has the “war on terror” resulted in increased terror attacks and massive social/economic disruption in Europe? Think they feel safer?&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Marketing. </strong>The biggest problem with arms sales is how to maintain and expand future sales. Like any business, arms must be marketed. If a market does not exist, the producer must create a need or the perception of that need. So that means promoting fear. If a company wants to sell mouthwash, they convince you that bad breath is harmful to your social interactions. If they want to sell weapons, they must convince you that you are in mortal danger every minute of every day.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Multiple threats.</strong> There cannot be only one threat. One threat can be neutralized and compensated for. No, there must be numerous threats coming from all directions. There must be a continuous flow of money to thwart that threat. Diplomacy will not ease the threat, only force will do it. The level of force must be always increasing. The type of threat must vary so the populace is in fear at all times, in all ways. It does not matter if the threat comes from Syria, China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Mexico, South America or your next door neighbor.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>“The war is not meant to be won, it is meant to be continuous.”</strong> Orwell nailed it when he portrayed the threat changing overnight and most of the populace never noticed. We have no shortage of options being considered for the next conflict.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Syria.</strong> Just this week a Russian jet was shot down and 15 crew members killed. Which happened because Israeli jets were hiding behind the Russian bomber to avoid anti-aircraft measures. Israel has not been attacked or even threatened. In response, Russia agreed to send previous generation missile defense weapons to Syria, where this occurred. A DEFENSIVE system which cannot even be used aggressively. Yet the US claims this to be a sign of Russian aggression.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Iran.</strong> Iran is assisting Syria to defeat ISIS. Israel and the US claim this to be a sign of Iranian aggression. How does that equate to a threat to the US? It doesn’t. A threat to Israel is NOT a threat against us. Israel has never assisted the US in any economic or military method. They have no resources of their own which are of benefit to the US. Yet if they can be used as a rationale for further US aggression with the warmonger cult members bleating right along, that’s what will happen.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Venezuela.</strong> Venezuela is a threat to us how? Our government focuses on and threatens the country because of their Social Democratic government. We hear claims of economic disruption in Venezuela which began with US sanctions imposed because American oil companies objected to the nationalization of the oil industry in their own country. Does anyone from either party object to talk of military intervention against the Venezuelan government?&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>China.</strong> China is hard to abbreviate into one paragraph. They are the largest trading partner to most of the world at this point. Which makes them a threat to the oligarchy who resent such success. Could we simply stop trading with them? Of course but then how would we portray them as a global threat and sell weapons through fear? The economic consequences would be immediate and devastating. To us. For China, not so much as we account for only 4% of their GDP. China is expanding trade into numerous countries and offering loans for infrastructure development to enable that trade. This is portrayed as a threat in such places as Africa, where the US has armed forces in over 50 regions. China has no significant armed forces there but lots of money. Venezuela, whom China loaned $5 billion to develop their oil industry while we threaten invasion. The South <em>China</em> Sea, where the US calls their defensive maritime development to be aggressive. North Korea, where China promotes diplomatic and denuclearization efforts while the US issues more threats and continues highly expensive war games on the border.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Any one of these and more could easily be inflated by one false flag event into a large scale military conflict, justifying the never ending increase of the US “defense” budget, which I have attacked numerous times. Yet none of these countries pose any form of military threat to the US, any more than have Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Somalia, Pakistan or any other country we have done massive harm to, either directly or indirectly.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;As long as we have “threats”, the MIC will continue making money stolen from our own society. The elderly, the sick, the indigent. Money spent on bombs while school children go hungry and freeze from lack of heat, citizens drink poisoned water, roads and bridges collapse, cities flood and forests burn to ash.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;But hey. Jobs, right? <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "a-time-for-division",
      "title": "A Time For Division",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;A few weeks ago my gf and I had a discussion. I have stated that name calling politically is counterproductive. She called me out justifiably for my behavior on social media, where I have used disparaging terms for neoliberals on numerous occasions. Yes, that is hypocritical of me. I promised her I was going to think on my behavior and I have been doing so, long and hard.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;She’s not going to like what I have to say at this point.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Most Progressives have become emotionally exhausted from being rational at this point. We’ve been maintaining reason for years. That approach is not doing any good. Our terminology has been subverted. Where we once called ourselves “liberal”, that term is now reviled. It does not mean what the dictionary definition states any more. Now we call ourselves Progressives.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;We are not the Progressives of prior years. No, we will not be nice and polite. We will not be told we want too much. We will not accept being called “bleeding hearts” or stay calm as we listen to derisive sneers rejecting “purity tests”. We will not unite under a blue banner because “third parties can never win” in a system rigged against them. Which means rigged against us, the American people. We will not accept shame and blame for 2016. In 2016 we said what we meant and meant what we said. “Never Hillary”.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Yet the DNC did not listen then and they are not listening now.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;In 2016, the DNC utilized paid trolls to invade Progressive groups. (I was moderating primary watch groups when they were locked due to porn posted on the site by neoliberal pro-Hillary trolls, then reported by those same trolls.) They are invading Progressive groups again now, leading up to the midterms. There has been an increasing level of activity in the last few weeks which is accelerating and will continue to intensify as November draws near. The DNC and their most hardcore cultist members use the same tactics now as we saw in 2016-&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Diversion. </strong>Continuous use of anti-Trump rhetoric. Yes, they should be “resisting” Trump. Through policies. Those policies do not exist. So they focus your attention on how bad Trump is. They speak incessantly about Russia, yet still cannot define anything Russia is guilty of, only vague accusations. If Russia affected the 2016 election, the DNC has yet to offer any solutions to prevent the same thing from happening again. No paper trails, election finance reform, changes in voting procedure (that do anything but block potential Progressive candidates). Recently in NY, we saw the same voter suppression that we saw in 2016.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;It has been impossible for over two years to have a discussion regarding any issue at all with centrists and have them NOT divert the discussion to Trump and Russia. They have no desire to discuss issues and no goal to prove a point. they just want to “win”. <em>Yet cannot in any way define what they think they are winning.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Demoralization.</strong> Telling supporters of third party candidates that “third parties can’t win”. While making certain this is true by utilizing policies that oppress third parties at the polls. Any move toward allowing Independent voters to vote in Democratic primaries? Open debates? Yet by leaving these voters out, oppressing, insulting and invalidating us, they harm themselves in the long term.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;If you do not support the “party approved” candidates at any level, you are dismissed just as surely as third party voters.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Personal attacks. </strong>Telling Progressive voters we are to blame for Trump and any GOP policies. Direct personal insults. Calling us Russian trolls. Now also calling us Iranian trolls. Told we are not “real Americans”. The problem is that many of their attacks have been heard so many times it rolls off our backs. As newly awakened Progressives join in, they are learning from us, the veterans of many battles.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Misinformation and blatant lies.</strong> If a Progressive candidate gains attention and support from the public, there is an immediate attempt to discredit that candidate as a Progressive. There is no question that some candidates claiming to be Progressive are not but the further left the <strong>real</strong> Progressives go, the greater the attacks become by MSM and within the DNC itself. <em>The one thing the DNC can NOT do? Make the centrist favorites even appear like actual Progressives. It takes only 1 minute of talking, one non-answer to know who they are.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Funding and support of centrists.</strong> Within the DNC itself, they fund centrist candidates. <em>In FL, they went as far as holding a fundraiser for a GOP candidate who was facing a Democratic Progressive.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;<strong>Misrepresentation.</strong> All Progressives have encountered one person after another that claims to be Progressive, then does nothing but push voting for Democratic party candidates. Hold your nose and pull the lever. Try discussing issues with that person. The conversation goes around and around in circles, always back to Blew No Matter Who. <em>“I voted for Bernie BUT…”</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Let’s make this ultimately and absolutely clear. Many of us followed Bernie but he turned his back on us. No, he did NOT “start” any movement. That movement already existed. He just gave it a figurehead. That movement continues without him. No, we will NOT ignore all the lies and stories about Russia. We will NOT ignore voter suppression and election fraud. We will NOT hold our nose and pull the lever because “but Trump”. Medicare For All will mean nothing if we all wind up as piles of radioactive ash after another rigged election.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The DNC has had nearly two years since the 2016 election to adopt Progressive policies. Instead they have confirmed nearly every nominee for every office Trump has proposed. Handed him powers of AUMF, mass surveillance, censorship and trade agreements. Not to mention a military budget that exceeds every other country on earth <em>combined.</em> Which they just voted unanimously to increase further. They have voted down drug price reduction proposals. Ejected Progressives from the DNC rules committee. Stated in court that they are under no obligation to provide a valid primary race. Changed primary rules to allow the DNC chair to reject any candidate from running that is not loyal to the party. <em>While the party has no obligation to be loyal to the people.</em> Tried to deceive their constituents by claiming they would not take oil industry money, only to change that quietly less than 3 months later. <em>Which can really only indicate that they were waiting for more donations from the oil industry. </em>They openly refuse to support universal healthcare, one of the most popular political issues to have ever existed. They refuse to adopt legalization of cannabis to the party platform, also supported by the vast majority of Americans.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;It is now less than two months before the 2018 midterms. Even at this late date, the DNC refuses to move left. Refuses to adopt any Progressive policies at all. Not a single one. In fact, they continue moving further right. They appear to be trying to attract Republican voters while avoiding or directly attacking Progressive candidates and voters. They fight for Conservative votes and corporate money, turning their backs on us. The problem is, this country already has one Republican party. As Jimmy Dore says, give voters a choice between a Republican candidate and a Republican who claims to be a Democrat, the voter will vote for the Republican.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;After years of fighting this battle, Progressives have become tired and increasingly angry.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;There is no choice remaining but complete division. <em>If we are ever going to have unity on the Left, then we have to unify the </em><em><strong>LEFT</strong></em><em>. </em>Which means a complete rejection and separation from the centrists who sabotage and appropriate our movement and terminology for their own selfish purposes. <em><strong>If the DNC wants unity, they MUST move left to join with us. They have less than two months to do so and that has to include solid commitment to Progressive policies. Not rhetoric, not empty promises. We are not here to unify with you. We are here to defeat you.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;We can no longer stand down from confrontations. We have tried discussion and education. All have failed. We cannot allow centrists who invade our groups to claim to represent us or agree with us, while trying to deceive and manipulate for their own machinations. We must use methods they understand. Call them out using disparaging terminology which is shameful in our own community. Hillbots. Blew No Matter Who. Cultists. DINO. Neoliberals. <em>The thing to notice about those terms is that they are not offensive unless there is truth behind them.</em>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;The time for Progressive passivity is long over. It is time to stop standing our ground and go on the offensive.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;Many, if not most Americans will agree. Trump sucks. <em>However, the enemy of your enemy is </em><em><strong>NOT</strong></em><em> your friend.</em> <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "policy-or-talking-points-what-s-the-difference",
      "title": "Policy Or Talking Points? What's The Difference?",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is not a new phenomenon. Been with us forever. People confuse talking points from politicians with policies. There is a massive difference. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;However, we are living in a different age and there is no longer an excuse for not knowing what the difference is. <em>Personal preference, wishing and cognitive dissonance are NOT excuses.</em> <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Talking points, also known as rhetoric or platitudes, are exactly what they sound like. They are talking points, empty campaign promises that hold no substance. The vast majority of the time, they will never be fulfilled and there will be no actual attempt to fulfill them. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Talking points are vague. They include things like creating jobs or improving the economy but they never offer any specifics on how this will be accomplished. They rely on the blind faith of the listener and loyalty to the candidate or party. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Let’s add another level to this. Policy proposals. Policy proposals are rough ideas of policies which may or may not include suggestions of how something can be accomplished, maybe a timeline, some numbers, real or imagined. However, not even the first letter has yet been set on paper. Usually a policy proposal will be followed by statements (after the election, of course) that a committee or study must be done to evaluate whether it can be done at all. Once that announcement is made, you often never hear of the policy again. If you do, it will be drastically modified and not resemble the original in any form. The benefits to society will be a fraction of the proposal while the cost increases many times over. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;One example of a policy proposal would be a job training program. After the election, a committee is formed to look at the viability and cost. The study then takes years and costs huge sums of money paid to some company related to the politician who proposed the program. Maybe we eventually see a study completed, maybe we don’t. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Policies are where we know a politician may mean business about a subject. This is when a promise has been set to paper in the form of a bill to be submitted for a vote. A policy offers specifics, defining how policy will work, sometimes how a policy will be funded, sets a timeline for implementation, establishes responsibility for implementing (such as what government agency will utilize it. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;But slow down, no so easy. Once a policy is set to paper, the writer is considered the <em>sponsor</em>. Now they must find one or more other politicians to endorse or <em>cosponsor </em>the bill. The more cosponsors, the better chance it will come to a vote. Of course, even when it comes to a vote, it can be altered, amended, vital elements stripped out or completely unrelated elements tacked on. Of course, it may also lose the vote. If it ever makes it to a vote at all. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Using the same example of a jobs program- This means the viability study was completed. Now the policy states the kind of training to be offered, who the people are that will be trained, what agency will run the program, when it will begin, how it will be paid for, projected startup costs and possibly suggest location/s. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Of special note are platforms. Platforms are a collection of <em>talking points</em> used by a campaign or party. The candidate or party are under no obligation to pursue any part of the platform. The only point is getting votes. Then the entire platform can be discarded after the election is over, usually blaming the opposing party or the voters themselves. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;So, when politicians start using talking points, there is nothing about them to be believed until they start explaining exactly how the talking points will be accomplished and in what time frame. If they have not even considered the answers, they have no intention of acting on those promises. What they are most likely to do is divert the subject or attempt to state how good the idea is, how it is needed, appealing to emotions. If pressed for details, they will become defensive, blame opposition for a problem, anything to make the subject emotional rather than explain any technical details. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Emotions do not create, write or implement policies. Emotions accomplish nothing other than brainwashing. The further down the process one goes from talking point to policy to implementation we go, the less raging emotion is called for. The less division is called for. Real solutions require critical, rational thinking and cooperation by multiple entities. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;If you did not know the difference between talking points and policies before, now you do. When you listen to politicians speaking, start listening to what they are <em>really saying</em>. If they only use talking points, they are not saying anything. <br>\n &nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "kaepernick",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "disrespecting-veterans-and-the-flag",
      "title": "Disrespecting Veterans And The Flag",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Most people have heard that Nike has made Colin Kaepernick their spokesperson. Of course, this restarts the controversy over his protest. Many claim that he is disrespecting veterans and the flag.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;I am going to state some opinions as a veteran. I am the last of a line of veterans that has run unbroken every generation in this country since the 1600’s. Each may have entered service for different reasons but all stood for the PEOPLE of this country.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;First of all, the flag represents the PEOPLE of this country. That includes ALL the people of this country. The flag itself is merely a piece of cloth. Like many veterans, I respect the people of this country more than a piece of cloth. You can burn that cloth and it has no effect on human beings. Burn, shoot, assault and incarcerate human beings and what has happened to that flag? What does that flag now represent?&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Do you know who has compulsory respect for a flag? North Korea. You want compulsory respect for the flag? Fine, move there.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;This country was created on protest. On standing up for human rights. How can we object to protest? The very first Amendment in the Bill of Rights is freedom of speech, which includes silent freedom of expression. If you object to protest regarding human abuse, you object to what this country is supposed to stand for. YOU disrespect what veterans have fought and died for. His protest embodies what this country and our rights are all about.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;You claim he disrespects veterans? His protest has nothing to do with veterans. YOU put that in there, he did not. How many veterans have been gunned down or abused by police? He represents them along with civilians. You do not.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Before 2009, there were no huge “patriotic” displays at football games. That was when the DoD began paying the NFL $millions per year to put on those displays. Know who pays for those displays? YOU do. Even if (like me) you do not watch football at all. The purpose of those displays is to boost failing enlistment quotas. To get young people to sign up for military service so they will go to other countries and kill innocent civilians in countries that were never any threat to us. That way we can keep spending MORE money every year paid to corporate weapons contractors.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Here are things I find disrespectful to veterans:&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Increasing numbers of wounded vets, yet CONgress is once again discussing decreasing funding for the VA, which already has inadequate funding.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Vets waiting months for critical medical care. Many die waiting for appointments. Some have died in VA waiting rooms.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Hundreds of veterans with PTSD commit suicide each year. Others resort to illicit drug use because psychological counseling is hard to obtain and the waiting list can be months long.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Thousands of veterans have been forced to repay enlistment/reenlistment bonuses after they were discharged. Many times these veterans are disabled in some way, yet the military claims they did not meet the service time requirement for the bonus. This has driven some veterans into bankruptcy and foreclosure, in some cases forcing them into homelessness. If they already have problems with PTSD or depression related to their service, guess what that does to them?&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;The military is not expected to get a cost of living pay raise this year. Even as corporations and the richest Americans are given massive tax breaks.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;So, you claim to support veterans? Tell me, when was the last time you opened your door to a disabled veteran? Let a vet with PTSD cry on your shoulder? Listened to what the experiences and thoughts were that drove them into that condition? When was the last time you visited the VA Nursing Home nearest you?&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;You know the best way to respect our veterans? By ending some of the conflicts we are in. Instead of spending money on bombs and killing more civilians, bring our vets home. Close some or all of our foreign bases. Reduce the need for so many veterans. Then spend the money saved on increasing care for wounded vets. Increase pay for the ones still in service. Increase retirement pay and benefits.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;The real truth of the protest by Kaepernick is that those who object are mostly racists trying to hide behind a flag, as they have done for a long, long time. If it were a white man protesting for something regarding white people or had nothing to do with race, the same detractors would support the protest. So they can stop claiming otherwise.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;It takes bravery to stand OR KNEEL for something when it places you at risk, when there is a price to pay. When you have received death threats for your actions, as Kaepernick has. It takes cowardice to close your eyes and blindly or intentionally oppose injustice. <br>\n<br>\n &nbsp;Now tell me. Who is the REAL American here? <br>\n &nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "socialism",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "cat-s-in-the-cradle",
      "title": "Cat's In The Cradle",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Pretty much everyone has heard the song “Cat’s In The Cradle” by Harry Chapin. It’s an old song but quite relevant, especially today. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;I always had a different take on the end of the song than many people do. “I’ve long since retired/my son’s moved away/I called him up just the other day/I said I’d like to see you if you don’t mind/He said I’d love to dad if I can find the time/You see my new job’s a hassle and the kids have the flu/But it’s sure nice talking to you, dad/It’s been sure nice talking to you/And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me/He’d grown up just like me/My boy was just like me..” <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;I beg to differ. Notice the line where he mentions his kids having the flu? That indicates to me that his son is taking an active role in the raising of his children. The father, who was always selfish, wants his son to leave his family to come visit the father. Does the father offer to come help with the sick children, his own grandchildren? No. He sits and feels sorry for himself in his arrogance and selfishness. The father is too arrogant to see the truth while the son is telling him he will not neglect his family for the man who neglected him. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Chapin’s song was prophetic and it was meant to be. It came out with perfect timing but the people who heard it failed to actually listen to the warning. Since the song was published, we have had multiple generations grow up in exactly those conditions. At first with the Boomers, who focused on wealth above family. Since them, each generation has spiraled downward, struggling to gain not wealth but first hold onto the American Dream. Then simple basic security. Now down to merely surviving from day to day. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Boomers make frequent jokes about blowing their children’s inheritance money. Great, so they spent years ignoring their children while chasing money and now, the final legacy that can benefit their children they will spend on themselves. BUT they want their families to drop everything and pay attention to them. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Over the same generations, there has been a social and spiritual evolution going on. Boomers are blind to it. Fathers have become more likely to be active parents, cooks, teachers, caregivers, taking part in maintaining the house. </strong><em><strong>Okay, I said it has become MORE common.</strong></em><strong> It is FAR more common for men to fight for greater custody of children in a divorce than it was in the 70’s. More men cook, do laundry and much more. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Today young people are getting married later. having children later or not having children at all. Boomers like to call this selfish behavior but in fact it is more responsible. It’s not because they </strong><em><strong>don’t</strong></em><strong> care, it’s because they </strong><em><strong>do </strong></em><strong>care. They do not want to have children that they cannot provide for without giving up valuable time. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;The song talks about the importance of togetherness. Playing balls, talking, etc. Children and significant others who truly love you care less for the money than your ear, your shoulder, your presence. Your arm around them, being in the stands at a game or recital, helping with homework, just listening. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Boomers attack Millennials for their cell phones. They don’t get the point. Listening IS the point of cell phones. It is their constant connection to their social support systems, which can span the globe. Cell phones are also a source of information, so they are less likely to fall for BS. They will reference information in a heartbeat and call you out on lies. They will take your picture or video to document your words so you cannot deny it later. You want to go viral? Lie to a Millennial. Threaten them. I dare you. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;With those references and connections, being raised in near isolation with inadequate guidance, it will always be harder to pin them down to the cult thinking so important to political parties and capitalism. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Yes, they want something, someone to believe in. Yet each generation after Boomers have watched their parents disappointed, lied to, have dreams destroyed and keep working even harder, even longer while getting less and less for it. They have experienced the same things or are beginning to. They are not loyal to corporations or a government that is not loyal to them. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;The rising threats to Social Security and Medicare is the first </strong><em><strong>real</strong></em><strong> threat of true insecurity many Boomers have ever known. For the younger generations, they can all look at Boomers with compassion but also say, </strong><em><strong>“Welcome to the world YOU have made us live in our entire lives. Get used to it. Sure, we’ll take care of you. How much are you going to pay me?”</strong></em><strong> <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;So, is it any surprise that each successively younger generation is increasingly drawn to some form of Socialism? The idea of society caring for society instead of the rich? Asking what is in it for them? The idea of not bombing countries where they may actually have friends in, online or in real life? <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;They hear the numbers rattled off like nothing. They understand what is behind those numbers. They understand those numbers keep going one direction, away from them and out of their pockets and futures. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;So, “Cat’s In The Cradle” is in reality the story of how older generations have neglected their responsibilities for their own selfishness and made younger generations pay increasingly more as time marched on. The debt rising so high economically, financially and emotionally that it will never be repaid. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;“When you coming home, dad?/ I don’t know when/ But we’ll have a good time then/ We’re gonna have a good time then..” <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "universal",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "how-universal-healthcare-is-best-part-iii",
      "title": "HOW Universal Healthcare Is Best (Part III)",
      "body": "<html>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;In the first two parts of this series, I examined and pointed out things which are more factual and can be validated quite easily. Now to delve into things which are more murky but clearly show which side of ethics any person is on. Including how much they are willing to blindly follow corporate propaganda. &nbsp;<br>\n</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;Advertising-</strong> I mentioned before that insurance policy holders pay for $millions spent on advertising by insurance companies PER DAY. It comes to $billions spent per year. TV, internet, snail mail, email, telephone, “free” health fairs, advertising products (key chains, bags, etc), newspapers, magazines, you name it. YOU pay for ALL of it. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Hint-</strong> NONE of that money is being spent on medical care. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>No Debate-</strong> Where do most Americans get their information about the universal healthcare debate? Corporate media. The very same media corporations that <em>collect</em> the advertising $billions every year. Whom do they have as guest speakers to discuss these issues? If they discuss the issue at all, their “guest speakers” invariably come from insurance companies, lobbying firms or politicians who have received large sums of money from the insurance industry. Possibly WAR Street “experts” who sell stock in insurance companies. Even when a recent Libertarian-funded study proved universal healthcare would <em>save</em> $billions, numerous corporate media outlets ignored the actual study and instead interviewed the author of the study, who argued against his own findings, yet had no hard numbers, made no revisions to the actual study. <em>He’s a Libertarian. Of course he will argue against the truth which he, himself, revealed.</em> &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;So, who represents the pro-universal healthcare side? Basically, nobody on corporate media. That side of the “debate” (sic) consistently states that universal healthcare costs too much, yet never explains how that is possible, considering the costs I detailed in part one of this series. Nor the benefits detailed in part two. Those are never discussed at all. Americans have become so accustomed to having one sided corporate opinions spouted as fact that <em>they never even question that only one side, the corporate side, is represented. </em>Such is the danger of allowing corporate media to do your thinking for you. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Main detractors-</strong> Who are the main detractors voicing objections to universal healthcare? There are the obvious corporate entities mentioned above. Insurance companies, advertising agencies and media companies that make huge sums of money from the current system. However, there are local insurance agents and their employees. I understand their concerns though most of them have other revenue streams because insurance agents tend to cover multiple forms of insurance. Plus drug companies who are often in bed with the insurance companies. Consider CVS buying Aetna insurance while they also run clinics in many of their locations. CVS has one of the largest drugs by mail systems in the country. So they control the medications and collect the profits from premium to clinic to pharmacy. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;On top of that, there are those who believe the claims of “death panels” and so forth, which makes no sense when you consider a system that has the benefits I’ve already laid out. They can never answer why Medicaid and Medicare have never had such “death panels”, aside from those imposed by the capitalist insurance and drug companies that have been involved since GWB privatized parts of it. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;We cannot mince words about it. There is no shortage of people who are literally cruel. They enjoy the thought of others suffering, as long as they are not suffering or even inconvenienced. Some don’t even care if they pay more but get less, as long as they can feel somehow instrumental in the suffering of others. These people cross all religious, ethic and gender boundaries. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Human ethics-</strong> The saddest part of all of this is that so many Americans have the opinion that healthcare is a privilege, not a right. As long as they have their own, it doesn’t matter if others get sick, possibly chronically, or if the “other” person dies. Most interesting in the prevalence of this sentiment is how many claim to be “Christian”. While Christianity is supposedly a belief system that speaks clearly of caring for your fellow human more than you care about money. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Those who even think about ethics are in favor of universal healthcare. It hurts us to see our fellow human beings suffer, sicken and die for lack of access to healthcare. We cannot stand seeing people unable to afford crucial medications, making decisions between medication and food. Or asking themselves if that nagging, increasing pain in their stomach or chest can wait another month, another year. Is that purple spot or oddly shaped mole that keeps getting larger a concern? Can’t afford to think about it. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>“I hate Socialism!”-</strong> Since I began this series, I have encountered a number of people who use this argument. The interesting part is how many of them are on SOCIAL Security. Hmm, where do they think that name comes from? It comes from the fact that it is a SOCIALIST concept and always has been. Social Security is funded by society for the benefit of society. The people paying into it now pay for the benefits of those collecting on it now. The same is true with Medicare and Medicaid. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Let me repeat that definition of Socialist programs. A Socialist program is any government program or policy which is funded BY society for the benefit OF society and the members of that society. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;The others who argue against universal healthcare are members of the system which profits from the current system. Insurance corporations, lobbyists, politicians who get “donations” from the above, insurance agents, advertising companies. Note that these people rarely work in the same sense of the word that manual laborers do. They will claim that manual laborers need to work harder, work multiple jobs, “get an education” (In what? They cannot answer.), leave their children in daycare while they work 80 hours a week (until they <em>become</em> sick and never mind the cost of child care), don’t have children, don’t buy a vehicle, don’t eat out, don’t have that latte.. Oh, and be sure to get lots of exercise and watch corporate media in between. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Karma-</strong> The blindest part of this viewpoint is that younger people who pay into the system at this point are getting sicker. They lose days of productivity because of illness. They lose income because of it. They pay less into the system because of it. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;The logical end result of this is that you wind up with huge numbers of people winding up with chronic illnesses, possibly disabling illnesses, unable to work, unable to make a living. What happens then? They get kicked off of insurance and placed on Medicaid and SSI. So they are no longer contributing to the system, they are a drain on the system. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;The insurance companies get to keep their profits, taxpayers pick up the bill and fewer people are paying in. Such a system is doomed to failure because it is unsustainable. The worst part is how much of it is preventable.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>End points-</strong> Some people want to blame Russia or China or immigrants or whomever they can for the failure of the current system.<em> This is not anyone else’s fault, this is purely an American problem brought on by greed.</em> That greed is at many levels. I’m sure with the details I have offered that I have only offered the most obvious culprits, yet it is still not discussed openly. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;So, call me a Russian troll, tell me I hate my country because I think all Americans should have health care without going bankrupt. Call me a Socialist like it is a dirty word because I care about society. You can offer insults but until you can explain how the current system is better for everyone, not just the most affluent, you have no argument as far as millions of us are concerned. Even for the low upper middle class, the cost of access to medical care is slipping out of reach at this point. &nbsp;</p>\n<p><br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Is universal healthcare perfect? Probably not but name a system that is perfect. When I say “best” I mean just that- best. Not perfect. When we come up with a perfect system, let me know. We’ve never been there and no country has been. That’s not even on the horizon as long as we keep fighting the fight of money over human life and well being. This is not about “perfect”. This is about the greatest good at all levels for the greatest number of people. <br>\n</p>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "labor",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "labor-day",
      "title": "LABOR Day",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;LABOR Day.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;How many people actually think about the name of this holiday?&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;How many people think about the fact that workers are honored one day a year? Yet WE are indispensable. <br>\n &nbsp;Without US, our society would not function. NO society functions without labor.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;WE are the ones who build, plant, grow, harvest, package, manufacture, process, serve, nurse, treat, teach, drive, lift, carry, deliver, program, write, cashier, cook, clean, design, repair.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;WE are the ones who sweat, hurt, cry, hunger, suffer, do without, hope, dream, struggle, endure cold and heat, still keep going when we do not want to, still keep going when there seems no point but another day of just holding on.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Money doesn’t do it. WE do. Without US, the machines would stop, the money would be worthless. Money has no ability to do the things we do. People that have money cannot do it without us.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;One day a year we get where our contributions are recognized. Yet look how many labor today. Look how it has been turned into just another shopping day. Look who is likely to have the day off. Because for the most part, it is not many of us. On “Labor Day”, many workers still work to provide for the profits of the few. On “Labor Day”, the ones most likely to be off from work are the ones who provide little, if any, labor. Today the bakers are baking, cooks cooking, cashiers running registers, nurses nursing, drivers driving.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Oh, we may get some “extra” pay or time off. Maybe. We may have an easier day than usual. Some will work even harder than usual. Those who have it easy will often make up for it tomorrow when the less productive people come back.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;WE are undervalued, underpaid, overworked, treated like we are disposable, replaceable, dispensable, lower value, less deserving. The worst part of all of this? It’s that WE do it to ourselves, to each other. WE can do better.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Keep in mind that WE are powerful.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;We are the source of all labor. All service. All production. Without US, nothing happens.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;WE are consumers. Without US, nothing is bought or sold. WE are the source of all the wealth which is used to oppress us.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;It is time for US to stand together. Stop being divided. Stop bowing to the whims of WAR Street. Stop listening to cults that keep us apart. Start following the money. Start talking to each other. Stop looking for an “other” to blame for our problems. Start seeking solutions.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Without US, then WE have nothing. <br>\n &nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "universal",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "how-universal-healthcare-is-best-part-ii",
      "title": "HOW Universal Healthcare Is Best (Part II)",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;When I state universal healthcare is best, let me clarify what I mean by “best”.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;I am speaking in medical outcome and ethical terms. When I say “best”, I mean that universal healthcare offers the best medical outcome for the largest number of people at the most reasonable cost.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;There is no actual debate on this conclusion unless you prefer entities that sabotage a system for personal gain.</strong></p>\n<p><br></p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Capitalists that try to torpedo such a system for profit. Malevolent system administrators that go against evidence based medical criteria with the explicit purpose of making that system fail. Each of these do so at the cost of human suffering and life.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Of course, we are having this discussion in a country that has left millions without medical care, millions bankrupt in an attempt to afford care. Millions with permanent disability or dead for the sake of profit. As a nurse for decades, I find that situation unacceptable.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Most Progressives know that a recent Koch-funded (Libertarian) study found that universal healthcare would save consumers over $2 Trillion over 10 years. Yet that study does not bother to touch on any of the points I raise in this article, all of which mean the actual amount saved would be far greater.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;In part one, I detailed how universal healthcare is the most cost effective system by eliminating extraneous costs that have nothing to do with actual delivery of medical care. But it goes beyond that. Universal healthcare provides societal and economic benefits inside and outside the medical system which improve the economy as a whole. Here are only some of the benefits universal healthcare offers to the economy.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n</strong><em><strong> &nbsp;</strong></em><em><strong>1- Increased disposable income.</strong></em><strong> Because universal healthcare costs less than our current system, it results in more money left in the pocket of the average citizen. For most people, that money will be spent in the general economy. The economy operates on money being spent. That is how jobs are created. I’ve detailed before how money spent at a grocery store supports numerous jobs such as cashier, manager, maintenance, truck drivers, farmers, ranchers, food processors, dock workers. So the same holds true here.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n</strong><em><strong> &nbsp;</strong></em><em><strong>2- Living wage jobs.</strong></em><strong> Expanded access to healthcare would mean people using that access. The end result would be an increased need for doctors, PA’s, nurse practitioners, nurses, CNA’s. Those are obvious but it goes beyond those jobs. You would need more radiologists, radiology techs, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, dietitians, psychologists/psychiatrists/therapists, pharmacists/pharmacy technicians, medical equipment supply specialists, medical equipment manufacturing engineers, medical waste specialists.. The list goes on.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n</strong><em><strong> &nbsp;</strong></em><em><strong>3- MORE disposable income.</strong></em><strong> With all the jobs listed above making a living wage, that means a considerable number of professionals with disposable income. Most of that income would be spent in the general economy, buying food, clothing, cars, homes, eating at restaurants. At each stage of consumerism, jobs are maintained and created. These workers pay taxes which are (ideally) spent supporting schools, libraries, maintaining roads, etc, in each case maintaining if not creating more jobs, more consumers, more taxpayers.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n </strong><em><strong>&nbsp;</strong></em><em><strong>4- Decreased bankruptcies.</strong></em><strong> Millions of Americans per year declare bankruptcy due to medical bills. With universal healthcare, this would be almost if not completely eradicated. The result would be the preservation of credit ratings for responsible people. Which would prevent them from falling prey later to predatory lending practices by payday and high interest lenders, being denied credit, mortgages, etc. Businesses, especially smaller businesses, lose money to bankruptcies every year, causing a cascade effect leading to those small businesses closing or declaring bankruptcy themselves. This would slow that process considerably.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n</strong><em><strong> &nbsp;</strong></em><em><strong>5- Early detection of chronic illnesses.</strong></em><strong> Millions of Americans have chronic illnesses which are only diagnosed when they become advanced or even critical because they cannot afford routine care which would detect those conditions at a much earlier stage. More of these conditions would be detected before they become severe to critical. In many cases this would prevent catastrophic illness. Meaning they would live longer, healthier, happier lives. Not to mention it is far less costly to provide preventive care than corrective to critical care. The cost of one ICU stay for one patient would pay for insulin and testing supplies for hundreds of diabetics for a year. This is NOT an exaggeration of any kind.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n</strong><em><strong> &nbsp;</strong></em><em><strong>6- Stress/anxiety/depression.</strong></em><strong> Medical issues alone can cause stress, anxiety and depression. It doesn’t matter if the illness is chronic or acute. In addition, medical bills can cause the same emotional issues. Combine the two sources of emotional distress and the effects can be devastating. Each one alone can affect self esteem, how one sees themselves. It is no personal failure when one cannot afford medical care, medications, hospital care, etc yet in our society today it is made to seem (by some) to be a personal failure as a human being when you are unable to afford these things. It becomes an issue which many people are too ashamed to discuss openly with friends and family members. Look at the cost of medical care today and it is no wonder so many struggle with the bills involved, putting off care until it can no longer be put off. We live in a country where a series was successful where a teacher becomes a meth dealer simply because of his medical bills and fear for his family’s welfare because of that. The series would not have been successful if it had been a scenario which was less realistic.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;</strong><em><strong>7- Health conditions related to stress/anxiety/depression.</strong></em><strong> Always remember that chronic negative emotions can cause physical health complications of their own. High blood pressure, ulcers, obesity, malnutrition, increased tendency to self medicate with alcohol or drugs, gastric disorders, etc. By instituting a system where these negative emotions are lessened, we prevent many of the physical complications which increase the cost of health care. For those who already have these medical issues, stress makes them worse and harder to control. There is no way to truly predict just how much money this would save in the long term but my personal guess (as an experienced cardiac and neurological care nurse) is that the amount would be highly significant.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Now, this list is probably incomplete and could well be added to. However, these are aspects I have not personally seen/heard anyone else discussing to date. Which sucks, considering we’ve had at least two years of discussion about the issue. Just keep watching my page for views you don’t find in other places.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Of course there would be some negative effects involved. I consider all of those ethical concerns and will cover that in part III of this series, coming soon. Long as I don’t get bumped off by some insurance agent before I write it. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "universal",
      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "how-universal-healthcare-is-best-part-i",
      "title": "How Universal Healthcare is Best (Part I)",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;The debate on universal healthcare has been heating up again. Just in time for midterms. Of course, the election of Ocasio-Cortez has a lot to do with that but the issues first came to the surface somewhat in 2008, then got dropped. Next it arose in 2016, as we are all aware. The obvious hope of corporate America and the elected officials owned by the corporations on both sides of the aisle was that it would again fade away, which has not happened.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Much of the time, we hear how universal healthcare is far less expensive than the system we have. What we rarely if ever hears is why this is true. And we NEVER hear how it would benefit the economy in general. The MSM is NEVER going to explore universal healthcare in a favorable light because they make too much money from insurance and drug company advertising. Elected officials get $millions per year in campaign “donations” from the same entities, so of course they are against even discussing any alternative.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;So, this is going to be the first installment of a series. I was considering making this only one article but the subject is extensive and complex. The first part explains HOW universal healthcare costs less than our current corporate system or private pay models. The second part will focus on how universal healthcare benefits the economy in general. Beyond that, I will keep adding as needed, mostly debunking the arguments against universal healthcare.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Let’s begin with why it is far less expensive than the current corporate insurance system. <br>\n &nbsp;1- Advertising. If there is only one system and everyone is included, why advertise? The corporate insurance system spends many $millions of dollars PER DAY on advertising. TV, radio, internet, full page magazine and newspaper ads, telephone, email and snail mail. It’s not just one company but all health insurance companies competing with each other for your money.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;2- Corporate executive pay. Universal healthcare may pay the administrators high sums but it would not be possible that it could equate to the amounts paid to all the major insurance groups ruling healthcare today. Not just CEO’s but CFO’s, COO’s and on and on for corporation after corporation receive $multi-million pay plus stock packages and bonuses annually. Narrow all of that, eliminate numerous positions and the money saved on healthcare decreases dramatically.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;3- Stock dividends. If what we had were a public system with no investors, owned by the people, then there would be no stock dividends to pay out. These account for an unknown total but it would be easy to wager a guess of hundreds of millions, even billions of dollars a year. Stock holders themselves demand decreases in costs, meaning more care being denied to the people who need it most.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;4- Criteria. Right now there may be similarities between various insurance plans but each insurance company has their own set of criteria in approving any medical charge submitted. Some of those criteria I actually agree with because they make sense. (Like requiring an x-ray before doing an MRI for a suspected chronic fracture.) The problems lies in the fact that each office or facility must check the criteria for each procedure according to the individual procedure, company and specific insurance plan the patient has. Even then, the charge can be denied. With only one system, one set of criteria, there is no confusion. The cost of hours researching, calling and submitting multiple forms to multiple payment offices would be reduced to a fraction.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;5- Agent fees. Across the country, there are tens of thousands of insurance agents who get paid for every insurance policy they sell. They get what is termed “residual income”, which means they sell you a policy once but then they get paid some portion of your payment each and every month you keep the policy. While nobody begrudges them earning a decent living, the combined total of each agent being paid each month for each policy drives the cost of medical care much higher than is ever truly examined.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Summary so far- Have you noticed anything in common with all the issues listed above? What each of them has in common is that they all drive up the cost of medical care significantly, yet not one of them have ANYTHING to do with the delivery of medical care. They are ALL administrative and investor-driven costs and they account for at least half of your cost of medical insurance. They also have great determination of what care you receive, what care is denied and even laws regarding insurance, more than any medical criteria. Medical criteria are debated for years based on results and science. How it gets paid for and how much gets paid is determined by corporate entities.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;However, those are not the only ways that universal healthcare saves money.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;6- Fraud, waste and abuse. With only one authorization, record keeping, billing and payment system for all healthcare, the opportunity for fraud, waste and abuse becomes narrowed greatly. Most of us have had instances where insurance records state a doctor, lab, etc was paid by our insurance yet we receive a bill stating we owe money for the exact same service. If we have multiple insurance providers, each one gets billed for one service provided. And we may still receive a bill on top of that. Plus duplicate procedures like MRI’s when a second one is not needed would be less common. Fraud, waste and abuse accounts for $billions in healthcare dollars each and every year. While insurance companies may pursue the issue, they do not have the same power as the government, who can impose fines and even criminal charges for extreme abuse instances.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;7- Simplified paperwork. Medical facilities and offices spend massive amounts of money on paperwork and billing, even if done properly. In the end, it is we, the consumer, who foot the bill for this expense. If all billing goes through only one system instead of being forced to submit paperwork to numerous entities, calculating, appealing denied claims, recalculating and on and on, the cost of this expense would plummet dramatically.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;8- Indigent care. We have all heard that many indigent people are forced to use Emergency Rooms as their primary care system. This is because by law an ER cannot turn patients away. Yet because they are low income, many of those bills go unpaid. This drives up the cost of care for those that can afford care because the cost is split among them. Still, it may limit the ability of not-for-profit facilities to expand services. Some facilities have such a high proportion of indigent patients that they cannot afford to stay in business. Which results in hospitals and clinics closing in the areas where they are often needed most. That means access to care become MORE expensive due to longer ambulance rides and patients waiting longer to seek care. Which can mean their condition deteriorates further.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;9- Chronic care. Low income patients with chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes often delay care and may not know they have a condition until it does become critical. Most often this is due to financial concerns. The earlier many conditions are detected, the better they can be treated and controlled. Better control means they stay healthy longer, able to work and cost LESS money in the long term. You can treat a diabetic for years for less than the cost of one hospital stay. The same is true of treating high blood pressure caught early and NOT allowing it to progress to heart attack or stroke. Insurance continuously looks at the short term profit, actually functioning with the hope that many of those patients will DIE before needing care. And many do. Or they become so ill that the first thing they must surrender is medical insurance just to eat or keep a roof over their heads.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;10- Cost to society. Millions of Americans go bankrupt each year due to medical bills. Some lose their homes. This becomes a cost to all of society in terms of money, morale, fear and anxiety. Those who suffer such fates often wind up with more health problems from anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, possibly sinking into substance abuse, homelessness, exposure and suicide.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;11- Administrative costs. I covered some of this above but there are other aspects to consider. Like the fact that doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are currently forced to spend many hours per week on the phone personally to debate/defend their own decisions with insurance companies. In some cases, I will state clearly this is well warranted. However, more often it is because of arbitrary criteria which does not fit a medical case they are handling. These are hours spent for which they get paid nothing. Instead, it forces them to raise prices on all patients or take on more patients than they can handle effectively, spend less time with each patient and even less time than that keeping current with new medical information (which changes constantly).&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;I could probably keep listing more items in this article but this is a good starting point and none of it is ever included in the so-called “reports” or “debates” on the subject on MSM. Frequently, many of these subjects are not covered even on Progressive media in any detail. Yet each point is valid and important. These are issues which should be discussed widely and openly.&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong><br>\n &nbsp;Be sure to watch for part 2 of this series in the next few days. <br>\n &nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "author": "mythias",
      "permlink": "re-andunityforall-nation-of-extremists-20180810t033020119z",
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      "body": "BTW, you should format the THEY part about the media like you did on Medium. It reads much better that way.",
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      "body": "Great write up! I already commented on your post of this in a FB group so I won't say much here except thanks for sharing.",
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      "author": "andunityforall",
      "permlink": "people-are-not-censored-ideas-are",
      "title": "People Are Not Censored- IDEAS Are",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Many people still have the idea that certain voices or specific people are being censored. That idea is completely wrong. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Censorship is not about silencing one person or source. Censorship is about silencing and controlling ideas, your very thoughts. Indoctrinating you to what is acceptable by the corporate state and what is not. When specific voices, faces, names are silenced, it is typically someone with a large following. They have become a threat to the status quo and must be made an example of. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;I am not even talking about the most obvious recent events. I am talking about past voices that were made examples. Phil Donahue and Chris Hedges were both fired for speaking out against the invasion of Iraq. Jesse Ventura had signed a contract to do a show on a major news network. Because he opposed Iraq, the contract was canceled and paid out. Then he was slapped with a gag order for several years, so he could not talk about it. Ed Schultz was fired from MSNBC while he had a very highly rated show because he spoke out against TPP. He was not allowed to cover a Bernie Sanders rally the day Bernie announced his campaign. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;All throughout the 2016 campaign season, anyone paying attention KNOWS that Bernie Sanders rallies had many hundreds more attendees than Hillary rallies did. During the campaign season, I wrote monthly how many rallies she had versus how many fundraisers. In one month, she had 3 rallies and over FORTY fundraisers. How many corporate news outlets covered Bernie rallies? Nearly none. There was a complete blackout. That IS censorship. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Those are only blatant examples. How about other examples? <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Universal healthcare- How many times have you heard a two sided debate which details the benefits and cost SAVINGS of universal healthcare? Instead, what you hear is one-sided fear mongering telling you there would be “death panels” and giving anecdotal instances of failures of socialized medicine. Those anecdotes are literally single incidents out of millions of successes. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Russiagate- How often do you hear MSM screaming about Russia in one day? Now, how many times do you hear rational voices telling you that there is NO evidence and Russia would have nothing to gain by bothering with our election? When has the media DEMANDED the DNC servers be examined or subpoenaed? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Anti-war voices- Most Americans do not even realize that the US is currently bombing SEVEN countries. We have been for years now. You may hear short reference to one country at a time but never all at once. We are bombing: Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya, Syria, Pakistan and Somalia. In addition, we have armed troops in over FIFTY African regions. We are threatening military action against China, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela. I'm pretty sure I am leaving some out. Do we have troops still in South America? Probably, who knows? Yet if you bring the subject up, you WILL be silenced and shamed. Equipment malfunctions suddenly occur, cut to Boyz2Men. Cue the discussion of how you are not “patriotic” because you don't want to kill civilians in countries that are no threat to us. Cut to oil company commercial followed by Boeing, Raytheon and Northrup. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Sanctions- We hear a LOT about US sanctions against other countries. Yet do any of the MSM outlets ever explain how our sanctions work? That it does not merely involve the US not doing business with a rival? No, it involves banning OTHER countries from doing business with our rivals. Which cuts into the trade of our allies. How do we enforce our sanctions? By threatening our allies with sanctions, of course. But you will NEVER hear that on MSM. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Tax funded elections- Works in other countries, not even suggested here. Think you will hear that idea on media run by corporations that BUY elections? Think they would even allow a debate which detailed that this idea would remove corporate money from elections? That this would KILL Citizens United permanently? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Maximum Income- We hear lots of talk about income inequality. On independent media. We tsk-tsk about how much certain people have or earn in a year. How they treat employees. Do we ever hear of ideas to LIMIT how much they make? No, because the idea would be wildly popular. We hear minor talk of raising the minimum wage, usually with someone using scare tactics of inflation as a result. You will NOT hear anyone discuss placing a cap, no matter how generous, on how much someone can collect in a year. (I say collect because they do NOT “earn” it.) I also make clear a maximum INCOME, not wage. Meaning income from ALL sources. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;These are all IDEAS which are censored. I have written about most of them. Do I mean that I, personally, am being censored? No, definitely not. I do not have enough of a following. I am not a threat. Yet. Seems lately I am on the radar. I barely make anything from my writing. Not enough for a tank of gas each month. That won't stop me. Nobody can accuse me of writing anything because some backer demands it. (If I had a backer who made those demands, I would lose that backer immediately. I can be censored but it will NOT be willingly.) &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;No, it has nothing to do with me. Like I said, these are ideas. These ideas are censored by corporate media on a daily basis. It did not begin under Trump. It is not driven exclusively by Trump by any means. It has been going on for years while so many closed their eyes and never questioned. All we are seeing now is a logical progression of increased intensity. Independent voices have not been silenced, instead we continue gaining strength, numbers, power, money. Now WE have become the threat. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;However, we cannot remain a threat if we WILLINGLY call for the silencing of voices by handing OUR rights to corporations. This has NOTHING to do with the rights of Alex Jones. It has to do with OUR rights. Allowing censorship to spread with our own consent is cutting our own throats. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Our voices ARE dangerous. They NEED to be dangerous. Silencing ANY voices, even the ones we do not agree with, diminishes US as a threat. WE need to accept our role as the threat and USE that power. Can it get messy? Maybe. But if you want to build a strong structure, it begins with getting down in the dirt. Stop being afraid of getting mud on your face. Stop surrendering and allowing corporations to dictate your rights. Because that will get a LOT messier. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;“People should not be afraid of their government. A government should be afraid of it's people.” <br>\n &nbsp;“If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "title": "Censorship Does NOT Begin With The Goverment",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;There are still people who support censorship. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;These are people who do not follow independent media and have not watched the rising struggle faced by independent media. Demonetization, videos taken down for saying key words. Invalidation because they do not have multi-million dollar budgets and no other reason at times. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;These are mostly centrists who follow MSM, allowing corporations tell them what to think in the first place. They are perfectly content with corporate control over every aspect of their lives. They tune in to MSNBC, watch Rachel Maddow screeching about Russia for every episode for two years and believe it. They still think Russia is Communist. They think that the ads by oil companies exonerate environmental disasters. Just check your stock portfolio again. Then change the channel to CNN. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;They regurgitate the litany, “Terms of Service, Terms of Service” while bowing down like the sycophants they are. Not noticing ToS's can be interpreted by the corporation any way the corporation chooses and can be changed any time without notice. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;They do not pay any attention that multiple anti-war voices have also been banned from social media this week. Voices that are calm and against violence. People from The Ron Paul Institute and AntiWar. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;They repeat the argument that this was an action taken by corporations, not the government. Never mind that it was multiple corporations in cooperation with each other on the same day. Never asking what changed to make this action take place NOW, when Jones has been spewing hatred for years. Trust the corporations. Trust the government. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Historically, censorship has rarely if ever begun with the government in charge when it happens. Over the years, we have seen Phil Donahue, Chris Hedges and Jesse Ventura silenced from MSM for speaking against the Iraq invasion. We have seen Ed Schultz fired from MSNBC for speaking out against TPP. Those were corporate decisions, not government. The people supporting censorship now never notice that they NEVER hear voices against war and in favor of diplomacy on their favorite mind control devices. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Know who does or has supported censorship? Here is a sample list: Germans in the 1930's. Stalinist USSR Communist China North Korea Cambodia under Pol Pot GWB (Executive Privilege) Obama (signed propaganda and censorship into law) &nbsp;&nbsp;Hillary (“I will crush the Palestinian solidarity movement” and “We must remove 'terrorist rhetoric' from the internet”.) &nbsp;&nbsp;Saudi Arabia (Our “friends” who publicly behead those critical of the government.) The CIA The FBI &nbsp;&nbsp;Corporations (WaPo has a POLICY to punish or terminate journalists who say anything critical of advertisers.) <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;No, censorship begins with private or corporate media. Allowed by a government that claims they have no control over what the corporation does. While the corporations bribe the elected officials. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Then, after the media has attacked and limited any access for voices who disagree with the official narrative, whipped up public frenzied approval for censorship, that is when censorship becomes law. Enforced at the end of a gun. Imprisonment, torture, murder of journalists. Any dissenter is named a rebel, a trouble maker, a criminal. A terrorist. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;No, I do not support Alex Jones. He is racist, violent and vile. But we MUST see beyond the rhetoric being propagated now. Because what comes after this is horrifying. Far more horrifying than anything he has said. What happens next will not be mere words of a madman. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Silence is complicity. Complicity is unacceptable. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;“The world is a dangerous place to live. Not because there are evil people in it but because of good people who do nothing about it.”- Albert Einstein &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "parent_permlink": "alex",
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      "title": "Alex Jones- Hero of the LEFT?!!",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;You could not write this as fiction if you tried. &nbsp;It is too strange for fiction. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;The People vs Alex Jones? <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Many people reading this are too young, have forgotten or merely paid no attention to the actual court case of the People vs Larry Flint. Let me recap. Larry Fling was a vile person. Yet in the early 70's the government tried shutting down his publication/s for public indecency. It was an attempt at censorship. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;What most who even followed the case did not realize was that pornography was NOT what the case was truly about. Larry flint was openly and vocally against the Vietnam war. I recall during the case, he published full color, unedited images of victims in Vietnam. At the time, they were the most horrific images I had ever seen. They gave me nightmares and I recall some of them to this day. They explained so much of why vets came home addicted and with PTSD. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;While I will not give Jones quite as much credit, his silencing on popular platforms mirrors much of the Larry Flint case. While I personally consider him to be a nut job, he challenges the narrative. It is more than curious that he, with tens of millions of followers, gets removed from multiple platforms ALL ON THE SAME DAY, almost immediately after starting a petition to Trump for the purpose of pardoning Julian Assange. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;This attempt to remove Jones from the public view will backfire epically. It already has. Before Monday, how many on the left had given him a single thought in months? Even if you did, it was because of some limited article someone posted which you saw. Thought of him for minutes and then moved on. Now he has been handed the chance to file a court challenge against those who removed his pages. That court case has the potential and likelihood to reach the Supreme Court. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Which means that we will see a LOT of Alex Jones for YEARS. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Even worse, he has become a martyr. Not just for the far right, but for the far left. HERO the SOCIALISTS in this battle. I wrote yesterday how Terms of Service (ToS) agreements can be interpreted and changed by the corporation at any time, in any way they choose. I won't repeat that whole argument. See that article. I've written many times in the past that the far left and far right have more in common than centrists. The only difference is that the far right sees infringement of their rights as coming from the government. The far left sees it as corporate control. Maybe this case will convince the far right of what we have been saying all along. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;I know. Economically, it will take more. Like the complete crash of the economy. Give it time, it's coming. Soon. Very soon. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;So it will be the ultimate irony if Alex Jones (the figure, not the person) becomes the one who winds up uniting all of us in some ways. The man who supports oppression of many parts of our society may pave the way for people standing together and fighting for our freedom in very real terms. That leads to communication across party lines. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Many centrists who support his censorship say it is not the government who took action against him, it was corporations, They like to say private but these companies are publicly held. However, NOT held accountable to the public. In addition, there are laws in place which limit the amount of data the government can COLLECT. There is NO limit to how much money they can buy or require corporations to REPORT to them. The NSA, FBI and CIA work directly hand in hand with corporations. We have seen this regarding mass surveillance and information leaked by Snowden. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;There are laws which state the GOVERNMENT cannot censor news or information. There are NO laws stating that they cannot instruct corporations to take direct action in their stead. Not long ago, that is EXACTLY what CONgress did. They TOLD FB, Google, Twitter and all social media to take steps to CENSOR anyone who contradicts the government narrative. If you are remotely awake, you WATCHED this happen. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;We have already watched as the government waged war on whistle blowers. Manning, Assange, Wikileaks, demonetized Progressive and Conservative sources. They call RT Russian propaganda, even though RT has Larry King, Lee Camp (Redacted Tonight), Chris Hedges, Jesse Ventura and previously had Abby Martin and Thom Hartmann for years. Many Americans sat by and watched silently. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;In the time since Jones was censored, other names have been silenced in one way or another. Peter Van Buren has been permanently removed from Twitter. Daniel McAdams. Both from the Ron Paul Institute. Scott Horton of AntiWar.com. All strong anti-war voices. All advocates for pardoning Assange, freedom of the press and freedom of speech. More names will be added to that list. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Yesterday, one article I tried sharing by Caitlin Johnstone was marked as against ToS on FB. Several posts and articles of my own were marked as spam by the system and I spent nearly an hour confirming my account, getting articles and posts restored. On most days, I probably would not have time. But I expect more attacks to come. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;So, now we have someone who is a cheer leader for fascism becoming a victim of the system he promotes. In effect, being a poster child for fighting against that system. It would be funny as hell if Jones turned around and became something of a Socialist. But that would be fantasy. (Unless he goes broke. Then there's a chance. He's definitely an opportunist.) &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;A big question for me is, what is the REAL intent here? Because this causing him to be MORE visible and the likelihood of him filing extremely high level court cases is highly predictable. So, is this all a game being played on us? If you think any of this is unthinkable, you haven't been paying attention at all. &nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;I have the tendency to admit when I am wrong. This is one of those cases. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;When I first heard about Alex Jones and Infowars being taken down from multiple sites, my first response was, “Okay. I support all far right AND centrists being booted from social media. They do nothing but attack one another. Let them build their own sites and attack each other until they cull their own ranks.” &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;One night and morning later, I see that is wrong. This is truly dangerous. I despise Jones, what he stands for and his followers. HE is dangerous. But not as dangerous as what has just happened by ANY means. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;In truth, what has happened here is that corporations have taken (or been given) the unopposed right to silence any voice they so choose. No, it did not start with Jones. It will not end with Jones. And THAT is the danger. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;What happened here is that corporations have used their terms of service to define hate speech and wield it as a weapon. The biggest problem with that is that corporations can change their terms of service at any time without warning. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Not only that but we have handed these corporations the right to define hate speech. That's all well and good when you agree with their decision. However, their definitions are still up to them and can turn on you quickly. Let me give some examples: <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;I am a Social Democrat. Meaning I am against unbridled capitalism and hence capitalists. I post my views on capitalist corporate media. In effect, directly against them. If they so choose, they can consider my words hate speech at any moment. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;I oppose Hillary supporters. That can be defined as hate speech if they choose. The same can be said for anyone that opposes Trump, Bernie, RNC, DNC, anything our government does. If you oppose anything which they support, the definition of hate speech is now in their hands, not yours. Your voice does not matter. Jones has millions of followers. Fanatic followers. How much more does your voice count than theirs? How much more of a fanatic can you be? <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Yet that is not the end of the problem. Let's say they do find another web host? What if the web hosting corporation objects and boots him from their servers? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Okay, so they buy their own servers. What if the corporate ISP decides to stop carrying their signal? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;What if the antivirus corporations decide to block his channel as “dangerous”? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;What if the web browser corporations decide to block him and any sources like him? <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;So many corporations have control over everything you watch, hear and read. Net Neutrality is gone. Those corporations can censor anything they choose, any time they choose. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Again, the question becomes who is next? Progressives have already been demonetized by YouTube. How much further is it to block them? We've watched the rising attacks on Assange, Wikileaks, Snowden, Manning, RT, Progressive candidates... &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;So many like to claim Trump is a fascist. Not that I disagree but this illustrates what I have been saying for a long time. BOTH sides are fascist. You cannot blame this one on Trump. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;The thing about freedom of speech is that it has to be applied equally. To voices you do not agree with, not just the voices you DO agree with. If it is equally applied, YOU have the right to speak in protest. You have the right to NOT LISTEN. When that right is taken away from one person, one group, you know that more people and groups WILL follow. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Every single step into fascism is always portrayed as a means of “protecting” you, “keeping you safe”. It is ALWAYS about “unification”. “Us versus THEM”. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;When do YOU become “THEM”? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;How safe do you feel now? &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "body": "I have been called a soros plant and a Koch brothers plant and a Russian plant by various people I have disagreed with,  that does not mean that on particular issues that one side or the other is not correct usually one side is correct.  Sadly no \"side\" is correct on all issues.",
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      "title": "Nation of Extremists",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;I find it interesting quite often that people call me some form of extremist. Of course, they also call me a Trump supporter, a Hillary supporter, a Russian bot/agent/whatever. I get called such things by virtue of the fact that I oppose both major parties, all major names. I focus on issues and reject even passive-aggressive support leaning toward either RNC or DNC. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Best way to piss off a cult member? Refuse to join the cult or reject the idea that the cult is benign. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;The US has become a nation of extremists. There is no denying it. Of course, most extremists deny being extremists because then they have to admit their views are completely unbalanced. &nbsp;Does anyone think that Nazis considered themselves extremists? How about the KKK? ISIS? Heaven's Gate, Jim Jones, David Koresh followers? People that watched public lynchings and burning at the stake? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;On more personal levels, do you think abusers consider themselves extremists? Years ago wife and child beating was common, sometimes even expected in society. How about those who supported suppressing pay for women? Do you think parents thought spanking their children years ago was extreme? Or sending their child to bed with no dinner? How many people for decades have supported the war on drugs? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;All the above are things we now consider to be extreme. Those who engaged in these things at the time would defend their beliefs and actions ferociously. If you opposed them, they would call YOU an extremist. They would attempt to invalidate you, marginalize you, ostracize you, have you ejected from church and fired from your job. Because chances are the boss and congregation held the same beliefs. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Many things in their time were considered extreme and protested against widely. Equal pay, the civil rights movement, Social Security (OMG! It will raise our taxes!!), Medicare, Medicaid, OSHA, national parks, bank regulations, consumer protection laws, public roads, child labor laws, even public schools. In each and every case, the question was “how do we pay for it?” &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Can you imagine what our society today would be like without those things? What it would do to the economy and environment to eliminate them? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Have you seen any “capitalists” that will turn down government money? Or not lobby to get MORE government money? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Yes, I consider myself a Democratic Socialist. This is a balance. I do not agree with the right who claim that capitalism will solve anything at all. Look back at the age of robber barons. Look what has happened since Reagan to worker rights and protections. Yet I do not agree with those who propose absolute Socialism (Marxism). I do understand that some various levels of profit and pay keep a society motivated. I do not support “centrists” who are actually right wing economically, which MEANS right wing socially. They deny it but you cannot support social support verbally and deny that support financially. (I will be continuing the series on Democratic Socialism shortly. Been busy making my living in a capitalist society.) &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;How does a person become an extremist? The answer is usually simple. Fear. They fear loss of money, job, status, safety, way of life. Then they do not realize that the advertising industry is based completely on fear. They make you afraid of not making enough money, that your breath is not minty fresh, that your feces smells, that your shirts aren't white enough, that you're not getting the RIGHT drugs to keep you apathetic. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;The audience does not realize that MSM “news” is really nothing but advertising which utilizes that fear. “If it bleeds, it leads.” They try and get ratings which translate to advertising money. So they sell you on fear. Fear of Russia! Fear of China, fear of Trump, fear of crime, fear of guns, fear of NOT having guns, fear of speaking out, fear of others speaking out, fear of immigrants, fear of climate change, fear of DOING anything about climate change, fear of taking the same drugs they advertise, fear of insurance companies, fear of not having insurance. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Have you noticed the wording constantly used by the media? Today we have: The WAR on drugs The WAR on terror The WAR on Christianity The WAR on crime “We have been ATTACKED!” (Attacked with FB ads.) “We must DEFEND ourselves!” “THEY (whoever 'they' are) are TAKING our jobs!” “THEY are STEALING our money!” “THEY are building defensive weapons!” “THEY are ATTACKING us because we invaded THEIR country!” “THEY don't like us having war games on their borders or surrounding them with OUR weapons!” “THEY are EVIL because they want to expand trade!” “THEY (any opposing party) are trying to DESTROY our country!” “WE have to take OUR country back!!” (From the other citizens of the SAME country.) &nbsp;&nbsp;“WE have to WIN and BEAT 'THEM'!!” <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;People turn on the TV and read limited, biased “news” sources not to be informed but to get their daily (or hourly) dose of fear, hate, anger, offense. To become even more embedded in their own extremism and call it “justice”. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Never noticing the fear words, the “call to action”, the “limited time offer”. (Do some reading on sales tactics and you'll understand this more. For real.) &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Just take your anxiety and anti-depression meds and it will all be better. Then go buy a new pair of shoes, a new car, etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;What are some of the signs of being an extremist? Here are a few- <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Following one group or source. It is truly cult thinking. They always “trust” their chosen cult in words and actions. Yet they ignore when the words and actions directly oppose one another. But the cult YOU belong to is ALWAYS right. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Being closed to any source of information which does not align with their own existing belief or opinion. Any minor variation marks a person or source as an “enemy”. The “enemy” must be ignored, rejected, invalidated, attacked. Evidence does not matter as long as your “leader” has “high confidence”. That's always enough. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Opposing any form of peace, discussion, detente, diplomacy. Opposing any thought process which has any presentation where “we” are not “superior” to “them”. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;The thought that “winning” is worth any price, including debt, destruction, suffering or death as opposed to allowing the “enemy” any peace, profit, space, voice. Peace without complete annihilation is weakness. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Nothing is ever the fault of the extremist. The other side is always extreme but not “us”. Both sides can use the exact same weapons, tactics, words and actions but “they” are extreme. “We” are innocent victims. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;None of this is what democracy is about. Democracy is about opposing voices being able to discuss issues rationally. We cannot continue demonizing each other if they do not agree on every subject. Especially when the opposing side is demonizing you the same way. When does THIS country begin having peace talks with each other? When do we focus on solutions, rather than force, oppression, superiority? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Start paying attention to all the key words being used. Pay attention to how much you use them yourself. If you are using these key words, these thought processes, then you are engaging in extremist behavior. You're making things worse, not better. You extend a fist and reject a handshake. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;I'll say it again. Issues unite, names divide. ALL names are cults, Trump, Hillary, Obama, Bernie, RNC, DNC. As long as you only support the cult, you are the extremist. Look in the mirror and admit it. &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "title": "The Economy Is Doing Great.. Except..",
      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Tech stocks are collapsing. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Today is Monday, 7/30/18. The day is not over yet but as I write this, the Dow is down roughly -05 points. So id the NASDAQ. S&amp;P is down about -14. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;They may recover slightly by the end of the day. But the trend is set. <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;A few days ago, after an investor call, Facebook stock dropped -19% for one of the biggest drops in stock market history. Followed the next day by Twitter stock dropping by -20%. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;A lot of people lost a lot of money in a short period of time. What will follow will be layoffs. When stocks decline, corporations start laying off workers to preserve profits for the stockholders. Not to mention their won stock value because most corporate executives are major stockholders. In any case, that means thousands of living wage to high income jobs are about to get erased from existence. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Meanwhile, a lot of people are arguing that the economy is doing great. Here's the problem with their claims. They leave out very specific sectors of the actual economy. Like farming jobs and retail jobs, both of which are in decline. Hundreds of retail outlets are closing nationwide this year. Mostly anchor stores. When anchor stores close, entire malls fail, each one taking multiple, even dozens of small businesses with them. Translation: Tens or even hundreds of thousands of jobs from small business owners to large business managers to low wage workers will lose work. Don't forget to factor in delivery drivers, maintenance workers, house keeping. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Then do not forget the ripple effect outward. Those workers have less money (if any at all) to spend at other businesses. So then we start seeing effects on basic needs across the economy. Grocery stores, car dealerships, car repairs, home repair, clothing.. Then we see effects on sales tax which affect local communities. Less money for roads, schools, libraries, police, fire departments. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;The ones claiming a thriving economy are mostly looking at some minor increase in manufacturing jobs within the last few weeks. Here is the problem with that. There's nobody to sell the products to. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;If retail stores are closing, there will be no new outlets being built. If taxes fall, roads and bridges are not being built or repaired. No income means cars and clothing do not get made or sold. Less money for simple survival means fewer groceries and fast food being sold. Eventually, fast food and grocery stores close. People already unable to afford medical care will face the choice of medical care versus food and shelter. If they have not faced that choice already. That leads to doctors offices, clinics and hospitals closing. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;With investors already losing money on investments, are they going to take the risk of long term investments to expand manufacturing capacity for long? Will they take out loans when the interest rate just increased for the first time in a decade? When they see no market for the goods they produce? Or will this minor blip in manufacturing increase show itself to be a false start? Does anyone actually think that investors blindly pump money into a project without looking ahead to what will happen next week, month or year? <br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;Obviously some actually do. This problem cannot be blamed on Russia. Or China. Or Trump, really. Yes, he is making it worse but this problem has been coming for many years. Chain stores have expanded with 0% interest loans, trying to drive each other under. But loans are loans and have to be paid back. As wages stagnated, so did profits. As prices increased, profits have actually fallen. Now the loans are coming due. That is why so many closures are happening. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;But you can fully expect corporate media to blame Trump, China, etc. For one simple reason. If they do not blame someone else, they must admit who the real villains are. They are. Their corporate owners and advertisers. The capitalist eating machine which has nothing left to feed on but itself. The goal is not even to consume you, you're just in the way with no place to go. Many of your have cheered on the machine that will consume you. Some of you helped build it. Aren't you proud? &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;But go ahead, keep telling me how well the economy is doing. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\nThe stock market as I close this: Dow -144, NASDAQ -107, S&amp;P -16</strong></p>\n</html>",
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      "body": "<html>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;I have written before how our \"defense\" (sic) budget does NOT include funding for VA, FBI, CIA or upgrading existing nukes. &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Upgrading nukes alone costs over $100 BILLION per year, thanks to Obama. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Combine all those and we spend over $1 TRILLION a year on \"defense\". That equals $3030 per every man, woman and child in this country PER YEAR. That is our COST. That is what we PAY IN every year for ONLY “defense”. Keep in mind that $1 trillion is merely a base number. That literal truth is that we have no idea how much we actually spend on our “defense”. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Just as we have no idea how many military bases we have globally. Consider we have at least 1400 military bases globally. Meaning at least 28 military bases PER US STATE. If each base cost ONLY $1 million per month (not year) for SUPPLIES, that's $12 million per base per year. That comes to $336,000,000 annually per state which we pay for supplies for those military bases. None of that includes salaries, fuel or utilities for those bases. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Now consider the fact that many rich people and corporations pay NO taxes. Consider how many $billions, possibly $trillions are never collected due to corporate welfare, deductions, loopholes and stashing funds in offshore accounts. Companies such as GE have been known to pay $0 in taxes and may even collect refunds of hundreds of $millions per year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;The same corporations often collect $billions in corporate welfare in many different forms, usually subsidies. Oil, gas and coal companies collect over $30 billion in direct subsidies. That does not include the cost of oil spill cleanups, environmental damage, protecting shipping lanes, health care due to pollution and other costs. Like the fact that we pay for 40% of the surveys for new oil and gas sources. Money which the oil/gas companies profit from but never have to pay back. These subsidies are often sold to us as providing energy independence and economic security. So they truly belong in some way in our “defense” budget. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Yet try and explain why oil and gas are one of our largest exports and one of our largest imports. Each of which requires defending shipping methods and so is a greater direct military expense. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Try and explain why so many Americans think diplomacy is useless, feeding our own people is too expensive, yet they are completely okay with dropping over 40,000 bombs a year at a cost of $80,000 PER BOMB. (Which does not include shipping, security delivering the bombs, delivery systems such as jets or drones, pilots, ground crews, fuel...) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;On a daily basis, we are bombarded with messages of how we have to defend ourselves. Yet what are we defending? Most Americans cannot afford a $1000 emergency. Millions have no healthcare. Millions more have insurance but cannot afford medications or deductibles. Millions declare bankruptcy every single year due to medical costs. &nbsp;Millions are homeless. Millions more continually on the edge of being homeless. Bridges and roads falling apart. Tens of millions in crushing student loan debt, enforced by the IRS. Medical and mental health issues decrease productivity and increase violence yet we “cannot afford” to pay for services that prevent these problems. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;We are told that building bombs and fighter jets creates jobs. Really? So building bridges does not? How about food stamps? Do they NOT create jobs in grocery stores, farms, ranches, food processing, trucking? Medical care does NOT create jobs for doctors, nurses, imaging, labs, secretaries, medical equipment, even disposal of medical waste? Yet do so without killing children in other countries or result in refugee crises across the globe? That's not a thing? &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;THIS is the cost of fear. THIS is the cost of listening to propaganda. THIS is the cost of willful ignorance. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;THIS is the cost of listening to corporate “news” sources which are funded by war profiteers. The opposite, peaceful side of the coin is never revealed. It is beaten down, hidden, subverted and made to appear not “patriotic”. We who support building, peace, helping our own citizens are portrayed as treasonous, unAmerican, bleeding hearts, unrealistic. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Blame Trump all you like. I understand you may be just NOW waking up. Trump is merely a continuation of the same system. He is more obvious, more blatant than his predecessors. THIS is why he gets reported on so much. He reveals the truth behind the curtain. Of course, this is by ignorance, not intent. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;We have been at war for 17 years. Under Obama we expanded bombing from 2 countries to 7 countries. We CAUSED the refugee crises across the globe. We CAUSE illegal immigration. The war on drugs CAUSES illegal drug trade. We have imposed sanctions on countries for decades and keep increasing them. What happens when ANY elected official merely suggests loosening sanctions on ANY country? What effect do sanctions have on their trading partners? Does the “news” tell you that? How do we enforce our sanctions? By threatening our “friends” with MORE sanctions. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;If this is sounding like organized crime, that's because that's exactly what it is. Inciting wars then forcing other countries to pay us for “protection”. Peace talks and diplomacy are not allowed. Become friends with our “enemies” and our friends become enemies. So the list of enemies keeps growing longer. Pay for our weapons by the hunger, suffering and oppression of our own people. It is a scorched earth policy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Russia is not your enemy. China is not your enemy. Immigrants are not your enemy. Minorities are not your enemy. Women are not your enemy. Poor people are not your enemy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Corporate Democrats are not your friends. Republicans are not your friends. Corporate media is not your friend. They are all paid by the same sources. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Turn off corporate media. Until you do, you are NOT awake. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;&nbsp;Are you getting this yet? &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;<br>\n &nbsp;</strong></p>\n</html>",
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