November 29, 2019

Honour the PERSON. Nobody joins military to "serve" corporations; so, yes we do HONOUR service

People do join the military often for personal advancement, which is okay.

Whatever the role corporations play in using or utilizing the military for their goals (said role is large and goals are large), if a person wants to serve a corporation, they join a corporation.

So while it is wise counsel to avoid "rich man's wars", it is still honourable to join the military. And it is a risk to life and limb, even in training.

And for society it is wise to honour those who have served, unless there is information that they have not been honourable. I do not honour Oliver North, for example.

HONOUR the PERSON, not the ROLE.

November 28, 2019

Yes. Look to all the dynamics that cause it, which boil down to personalizing

... personalizing the argument. "Only a fool would believe tRump on Deep State." "So, you are calling me a fool?" "I dunno, some kinda nut to take him seriously." Even shouting at the opponent to intimidate them is personalizing the argument.

There are many logical arguments against bigotry.

Anytime the argument veers to illogic, point it out. When they attack Vindman for his origins, point out it is an ad hominen attack. Call it that. Explain the concept if necessary. Show how it applies. Then point out how they aren't able to defeat the message so they attack the messenger.

At some point, the "family member" will cross over into a personal attack. That is when to look around the whole table asking "Can we all agree to not make personal attacks?" If we can't discuss politics without making it personal, then we can't discuss politics at the family table.

Arm yourself to recognize fallacies.
An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments
Be scrupulous about not making it personal.
Call it out and get support when they make it personal.
If they instead have the support of the family, then leave the table and go home.

November 18, 2019

Logic re Corruption even tRump cult members can see

Extortion and Bribery are obviously kinds of corruption, with Bribery even mentioned in the Constitution.

But we are told by tRump's defenders we should believe that he is fighting corruption around the world by extorting with taxpayer funded military aid and bribing with a meeting in the Oval Office.

It's that nonsensical.

November 13, 2019

The facts, repeatedly, clearly, often. The facts of the crime and the investigation are

1) quid and quo in same phone call.

2) "Memorandum" is not a complete unredacted transcript, testified by Vindman.

3) Hiding complete transcript on server is a coverup.

4) Not just one phone call.

5) Parallel off-the-books Giuliani operation tightening the screws.

6) Trump did hold up aid for weeks or months, until lawyers determined he had no authority.




The facts in the excellent OP may be summarized as these:

A) Republicans attended the so-called secret hearings, except those who boycotted them.

B) Democrats are using Republican impeachment rules approved 2015.

C) Trump's own secretive actions regarding Ukraine changed Pelosi's mind as to timing.

D) Extorting manufactured political dirt is not legal foreign policy or use of Congressionally approved funds.

E) Decorated wounded veteran Lt Col Vindman was following proper procedure reporting the call to the NSC's top lawyer.

F) Ignorance of a crime is not a defence, not even for a self-styled "stable genius".

G) If it is a witch hunt testimony would soon show it. Don't hold your breath.

H) The winners of the 2018 election are enforcing the Constitution. Elections have consequences.

I) Nothing Bidens did was corrupt so there is no evidence. Getting a job based on a name is not corrupt, right Jarvanka?

J) If you think the Democrats are overplaying a hand then you should welcome the impeachment. Bring 2020.

K) As stated: "Trump is abusing his power and betraying our country".

November 13, 2019

It's certainly direct enough that it scared the daylights out of Vindman & others

But as I remember it, he was careful enough to put them into separate sentences, to give "plausible deniability". That is what the Republicans have been running with. It is up to influencers to shoot that down, on the spot, repeatedly, with the facts (since this is counterpropaganda):

1) quid and quo in same phone call.
2) "Memorandum" is not a complete unredacted transcript, testified by Vindman.
3) Hiding complete transcript on server is a coverup.
4) Not just one phone call.
5) Parallel off-the-books Giuliani operation tightening the screws.
6) Trump did hold up aid for weeks or months, until lawyers determined he had no authority.

November 6, 2019

I am Canadian

I am Canadian

It is now one year to the 2020 election and I would like to be clear about something I have not spoken about here before. I am Canadian, a Canadian citizen. Because of recent foreign interference in 2016 I want to avoid even the appearance of something I have no part in.

I lived for many years in California and loved it, and began posting on DU while there. Now I live in Nova Scotia and love it. I never took out US citizenship. Canada is a good country to be a citizen of.

In Canada, I have voted Liberal in every election I could since I feel their governance and policies are progressive but more measured than the New Democrats or the Greens. All except for my first vote which was for a woman, way back when. She won.

The Democratic Underground is a wonderful place to hang out. Without trying to be flashy, our site creators and admins have made it run very smoothly and solidly. Of all the sites I post in, and even of all the sites I visit, DU has the highest ratio of civility compared to the rancorous environment around it.

It is kinda Canadian that way. Thank you for having me.

I support Elizabeth Warren. In a field of strongly intelligent candidates she is anyone's equal in that department. I think she has some innovative proposals and has the skills to make some of it happen, in a tough political environment.

2020 is an election year when, because of self-inflicted wounds, the GOP is unlikely to win the Presidency. Therefore, Democrats should choose a candidate that represents their views and vision without regard to "electability". With the party united behind them, and a lot of hard work, any of the top tier of 5 or 7 candidates can win. Simply being not-tRump might lose. Now is the time to go with forward looking vision.

I have changed my avatar for now (couldn't find the Trudeau one) but might change it back in a year because I have always admired Mark Twain's incisive wit.

Be of good courage, Americans. The progressive, liberal, Democratic majority in the United States of America is on the right side of history. America will never be perfect but it will be better. I love you.

November 5, 2019

Investing in the people is what real governments do. But not kakistocracies & kleptocracies

They deliberately do not say that one of the main principles of business it that you make money by spending money.

A well run government spends taxpayer money to support taxpayers so they can be productive and earn greater prosperity and enjoy life more. Good government spends on:

* Education so people have skills and wisdom (understanding) to be really productive.
* Health care so that illness is prevented, alleviated quickly, and people can spend more time gaining prosperity.
* Environment so that people are not debilitated by pollution.
* Consumer protection so that people don't have their life savings taken by crooks.
* Productive infrastructure such as public transportation for efficient movement of goods and services and people.

When you invest in the well-being of the People of the USA, the country remains competitive and a great place to live.

Also:
Raise taxes and lower spending when the economy is good.
Lower taxes and raise spending when the economy is bad and needs stimulus.

Democrats know this, but Republicons are aways on about lowering taxes no matter what, so they therefore spend up huge deficits.