leicsmac

I can understand why people might think that the problem is "not their fight" or "too big" for them or whatever, but I would also ask those who think that way not to get in the way of people willing, able and trying to make the world and future a better place. And yes, the idea of unchecked aggression and "Might Makes Right" that people like Trump embody has led to some dark chapters in history and, if not addressed, will in all likelihood lead to some darker ones in the future. Possibly to a degree never seen or even envisioned before.

From the best that we can fathom, this is legit, yes.

The JB franchise has been a mess for a while now, sadly.

Never. But thankfully people with empathy have worked hard to make it at least a bit fairer. And, hopefully, will continue to do so in spite of the social Darwinists trying to set the clock back. "There is no justice. There is just us." (And, lest anyone think this purely moral stance, a fairer world is a longer lasting one from a practical standpoint, too.)

Morgan Freeman: "It turned out that those dropped catches, in fact, did not come back to bite India."

I've actually put something like this in that thread before now. It goes against every feeling I have regarding humans and freedom of expression, but given the damage it's already caused and the potential for damage in the future, I honestly feel there may come a point where the choice is between that and serious social unrest, perhaps total collapse. But you know the thing that really causes the paranoia wheels to turn? The idea that this unrest through this method is being formented for this exact purpose; create enough disruption, make it truly look like the only choice is the one above, and even smart and aware people might want to exchange their freedom for security. This might be one of the most gargantuan psyops ever launched. I truly, truly hope that I'm wrong about that thought and such regulation would be necessary, rather than just playing into the hands of the powerful, though.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1lv3g51n9yo A rather darkly fascinating look at how misinformation is causing issues in yet another place.

Yeah. The only reliable constant that will require global attention is the anthropogenic effect on our biosphere.

Additionally, I was looking back at the pol thread from around five years ago just now. The Tories had about a 20(?) point lead, Covid was in full swing and Starmer looked dead in the water even just a few months after he got the leadership role. Just goes to show how quickly things can move in a short space of time. I really wouldn't want to predict with much certainty what things will be like when 2029 rolls around.

Well, that attempt certainly appears to be being made, that's for sure. Surely however it's popped into the heads of those major powers that such a paradigm is not sustainable in the world we live in today or the future? Or is it a case of not giving a shit because they're betting they'll be gone before they feel the truly dreadful consequences of their decision making?

Sort of. For me, he's trying to daunt and dominate as many people as possible, because he really believes in that incredibly primitive idea of human nature and enforced hierarchy. Subordinates and enemies, no equals or friends. I doubt he even has anyone he'd really call a friend in the genuine sense.

The worst thing is that some people have seen this coming for the last decade or more. It was preventable. However the good, if rather macabre, thing is that in the words of Frodo, "they cannot conquer forever". Their ideology will not survive the changing world - however, unfortunately, it may end up taking civilisation with it as it dies. See above.

If that's true and nothing can be done we may as well fold our hands, make peace with whatever power we think governs the universe and call an end to this experiment called "civilisation" right now. Double edged sword; it might be a good idea to act the adult in the room by not getting involved with strong words right away, but bullies tend to thrive on indecision as well.

Fair to say. But IMO the present and future should be the focus.

Personally I don't think that Europeans should be grateful at being the subject of what has been essentially a Mafia protection racket since the end of WWII from the world player who is a just slightly lighter shade of grey than the others. Speaking personally, I'm not deploring just them, I'm deploring the entire system that allowed them to convince the European nations that protection racket was necessary. I've said all along that realpolitik (and nationalism) are the ugliest of words that will lead to no good outcome, we may be seeing the truth of that very starkly even sooner than feared.

Exactly so. Might makes Right. Social Darwinism writ large. Not only is that morally objectionable, but also from a practical survival viewpoint oit leads to no good end. ... I'm going to be honest, this line makes it appear like the current actions of the US are somehow justifiable.

Schrodinger's Spook.

"The president is not our teacher, our tutor, our guide or ruler. He does not command us; we command him. We serve neither him nor his vision. It is not his job or his prerogative to redefine custom, law, and beliefs; to appropriate industries; to seize the country, as it were, by the shoulders or by the throat so as to impose by force of theatrical charisma his justice upon 300 million others. It is neither his job nor his prerogative to shift the power of decision away from them, and to him and the acolytes of his choosing." - Mike Pence ... it's just a shame you didn't arrive at this conclusion before the horse had bolted and then incited its followers to kill you, isn't it, Mr Pence?

It comes down to the base principle of self interest.

I wonder. I fear that all of this is going to lead to blood. And a lot of it.

Another one where you need both the and the reactions simultaneously. If nothing before, January 6th 2021 should have been the deal breaker. It's rather remarkable how so many people have managed to manipulate their denial of a violent insurrection attempt. The bigger issue is now that there's a similar coup attempt happening much more silently in the bureaucracy - and, so far, much more successfully.

It is. To be honest, the essential ingredient for any asteroid mitigation project, as I've said here before, is time. And in this case, we have more than enough of that. However, given what is currently happening to NASA, I'm no longer sure if we would have the resources if the need were to arise.

Well, considering the kompramat Putin is thought to have on him, I would say likely yes.

Appreciate the clarification. Reality is becoming more like Don't Look Up every day.

The language is pretty on brand for a known sexual predator tbf.