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| DAYLEE PICTURE: The Rock Hermitage in northern Spain. From the Daily Mail of the UK. |
Friday, December 26, 2014
News Nuggets 1501
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: Putin, Neocons and the Great Illusion
Conquest Is for Losers (Paul Krugman) from the New York Times
"The point is that what works for a fourth-world warlord is just self-destructive for a nation at America’s level — or even Russia’s. Look at what passes for a Putin success, the seizure of Crimea: Russia may have annexed the peninsula with almost no opposition, but what it got from its triumph was an imploding economy that is in no position to pay tribute, and in fact requires costly aid. Meanwhile, foreign investment in and lending to Russia proper more or less collapsed even before the oil price plunge turned the situation into a full-blown financial crisis. Which brings us to two big questions. First, why did Mr. Putin do something so stupid? Second, why were so many influential people in the United States impressed by and envious of his stupidity?"
"The point is that what works for a fourth-world warlord is just self-destructive for a nation at America’s level — or even Russia’s. Look at what passes for a Putin success, the seizure of Crimea: Russia may have annexed the peninsula with almost no opposition, but what it got from its triumph was an imploding economy that is in no position to pay tribute, and in fact requires costly aid. Meanwhile, foreign investment in and lending to Russia proper more or less collapsed even before the oil price plunge turned the situation into a full-blown financial crisis. Which brings us to two big questions. First, why did Mr. Putin do something so stupid? Second, why were so many influential people in the United States impressed by and envious of his stupidity?"
Obama -- Striving for "Post-political" Aspirations
In his Final Two Years, Obama Breaks Out his Changeup (David Ignatius) from the Washington Post
"Obama may yet win his argument that the United States needs to break with the unilateral, interventionist policies of the previous decade that have lost support at home and abroad. His theme of change is clearest in his strategies for engaging adversaries, such as Iran and Cuba, and keeping the door open for cooperation with rivals such as Russia and China. You wouldn’t know it in the echo chamber of Washington, but I found broad support for the idea of engagement in recent trips to China, Europe and the Middle East. ... Obama now seems closer to the “post-political” aspirations he discussed during his first presidential campaign."
"Obama may yet win his argument that the United States needs to break with the unilateral, interventionist policies of the previous decade that have lost support at home and abroad. His theme of change is clearest in his strategies for engaging adversaries, such as Iran and Cuba, and keeping the door open for cooperation with rivals such as Russia and China. You wouldn’t know it in the echo chamber of Washington, but I found broad support for the idea of engagement in recent trips to China, Europe and the Middle East. ... Obama now seems closer to the “post-political” aspirations he discussed during his first presidential campaign."
Optimism in the White House!
Despite a Tough Year, an Optimistic Mood in the White House (Ruth Marcus) from the Washington Post
"Under these circumstances, much of the administration’s strategy involves doing whatever possible to ensure facts on the ground, to cement changes already secured or secure changes as yet unachieved. This thread runs through administration discussions of three unrelated issues: dealing with a pending Supreme Court case that could effectively demolish the federal exchanges for health-care insurance; implementing the immigration order; and making good on the promise to close Guantanamo."
Link
"Under these circumstances, much of the administration’s strategy involves doing whatever possible to ensure facts on the ground, to cement changes already secured or secure changes as yet unachieved. This thread runs through administration discussions of three unrelated issues: dealing with a pending Supreme Court case that could effectively demolish the federal exchanges for health-care insurance; implementing the immigration order; and making good on the promise to close Guantanamo."
Link
The Small-mindedness of "Little Havana" Thinking
The Cuba Opening: A Welcome Blow Against the Posturing School of Foreign Policy (Paul R. Pillar) from the National Interest
"... now we would have a policy from the White House that has received universal praise from abroad for a long-overdue step, but which might get stymied by the U.S. Congress. Foreigners will be left to wonder what it is about the United States that lets some Little Havana small-mindedness take over U.S. foreign policy to the extent of persisting in a half-century of failure."
"... now we would have a policy from the White House that has received universal praise from abroad for a long-overdue step, but which might get stymied by the U.S. Congress. Foreigners will be left to wonder what it is about the United States that lets some Little Havana small-mindedness take over U.S. foreign policy to the extent of persisting in a half-century of failure."
The Difference Between Being a Superpower ... and a Strongman
Putin's Bubble Bursts (Paul Krugman) from the New York Times
"It’s quite a comedown for Mr. Putin. And his swaggering strongman act helped set the stage for the disaster. ... Macho posturing, it turns out, makes for bad economies."
"It’s quite a comedown for Mr. Putin. And his swaggering strongman act helped set the stage for the disaster. ... Macho posturing, it turns out, makes for bad economies."
The Source of Putin's Popularity at Home
Vladimir Putin Embodies the Russian Mindset (Alex Berezow) from Real Clear World
"Putin's popularity, therefore, is likely to due something else: Russians don't think highly of Western-style democracy. The Moscow Times, reporting the results of a different Levada Center poll, wrote that 45 percent of Russians believed a Western-style democracy would be destructive to the country. Along similar lines, an op-ed in USA Today explained that "in Russia's political tradition, where the leader stands above the law, Putin is popular because he is powerful.""
"Putin's popularity, therefore, is likely to due something else: Russians don't think highly of Western-style democracy. The Moscow Times, reporting the results of a different Levada Center poll, wrote that 45 percent of Russians believed a Western-style democracy would be destructive to the country. Along similar lines, an op-ed in USA Today explained that "in Russia's political tradition, where the leader stands above the law, Putin is popular because he is powerful.""
Ukraine, Joining NATO?
Ukraine takes historic step toward NATO from Agence France Presse
"Ukraine took a historic step toward NATO on Tuesday in a parliamentary vote that stoked Russia's anger ahead of talks on ending the ex-Soviet state's separatist war."
"Ukraine took a historic step toward NATO on Tuesday in a parliamentary vote that stoked Russia's anger ahead of talks on ending the ex-Soviet state's separatist war."
Putin - Building His Great Anti-western Alliance!
Vladimir Putin invites Kim Jong-un to Moscow from the Guardian [of the UK]
"North Korea’s leader may travel to Russia to mark the USSR’s victory over Nazi Germany on 9 May as mark of closer relations."
Ah, Putin! Broadening your list of useful global allies? North Korea can join with Belorussia, Georgia, South Osetia, Chechenya, and similar "boat anchor" regimes that require massive Russian subsidies just to have them say nice things about Putin and his cronies. For those of us who grew up with "THE SOVIET UNION," it is both pathetic and disturbing watching Putin's antics at play-acting at being a super power. As I have said here before, there is only one country in the super power "club house" right now -- and Russia surrendered that role (to their credit) decades ago.
"North Korea’s leader may travel to Russia to mark the USSR’s victory over Nazi Germany on 9 May as mark of closer relations."
Ah, Putin! Broadening your list of useful global allies? North Korea can join with Belorussia, Georgia, South Osetia, Chechenya, and similar "boat anchor" regimes that require massive Russian subsidies just to have them say nice things about Putin and his cronies. For those of us who grew up with "THE SOVIET UNION," it is both pathetic and disturbing watching Putin's antics at play-acting at being a super power. As I have said here before, there is only one country in the super power "club house" right now -- and Russia surrendered that role (to their credit) decades ago.
Oil's Big Decline Yields Big Dividends for the US
Oil's Swift Fall Raises Fortunes of US Abroad from the New York Times
""A plunge in oil prices has sent tremors through the global political and economic order, setting off an abrupt shift in fortunes that has bolstered the interests of the United States and pushed several big oil-exporting nations — particularly those hostile to the West, like Russia, Iran and Venezuela — to the brink of financial crisis.""
""A plunge in oil prices has sent tremors through the global political and economic order, setting off an abrupt shift in fortunes that has bolstered the interests of the United States and pushed several big oil-exporting nations — particularly those hostile to the West, like Russia, Iran and Venezuela — to the brink of financial crisis.""
A New Papal Foreign Policy Emerges
Bolder Diplomacy Re-emerges Under Francis from the New York Times
"Pope Francis, who helped broker the United States-Cuba agreement, received new ambassadors to the Holy See on Thursday. ... The agreement between Cuba and the U.S. shows Pope Francis’s willingness to insert the Vatican into diplomatic disputes."
"Pope Francis, who helped broker the United States-Cuba agreement, received new ambassadors to the Holy See on Thursday. ... The agreement between Cuba and the U.S. shows Pope Francis’s willingness to insert the Vatican into diplomatic disputes."
Important Talks ... Happening Very, Very Quietly
The Art of Saying Nothing on Talks (Mark Landler) from the New York Times
"U.S. talks with China, Iran and Cuba all had in common a small team of negotiators, discipline and tight control."
"U.S. talks with China, Iran and Cuba all had in common a small team of negotiators, discipline and tight control."
Russia's Neighbors Preparing for Trouble
Lithuania Assembles a Force as It Readies for Whatever Russia May Bring from the New York Times
"Major Pakutka leads the two main units in Lithuania’s brand-new rapid-reaction force. It is the first of its kind along NATO’s eastern flank, intended to address exactly the kind of hybrid, insurgent warfare that has characterized the conflict in eastern Ukraine."
"Major Pakutka leads the two main units in Lithuania’s brand-new rapid-reaction force. It is the first of its kind along NATO’s eastern flank, intended to address exactly the kind of hybrid, insurgent warfare that has characterized the conflict in eastern Ukraine."
Closing Gauntanamo Gets Closer to Reality
U.S. Prepares to Accelerate Detainee Transfers from Guantanamo Bay Prison from the Huffington Post
"The Obama administration is accelerating its efforts to shut down the Guantanamo Bay detention center, preparing to move dozens of inmates out of the prison in coming months in a step forward for President Obama’s redoubled attempt to achieve a core national security objective before he leaves office."
"The Obama administration is accelerating its efforts to shut down the Guantanamo Bay detention center, preparing to move dozens of inmates out of the prison in coming months in a step forward for President Obama’s redoubled attempt to achieve a core national security objective before he leaves office."
Obama's Payback? Doing What He wanted to Do All Along
Operation Revenge (Glenn Thrush) from Politico
"President Obama is back in his campaign comfort zone: Smiting his political enemies."
"President Obama is back in his campaign comfort zone: Smiting his political enemies."
What a Liberated Obama Looks Like!
Obama: A Good Closer? (Andrew Sullivan) from The Dish
"Obama likes the final stretch. It’s liberating for him, quite clearly. And clarifying for the rest of us. My point is a simple one: the long game has always mattered to this presidency, and we are now very much in the fourth quarter. That’s when Obama has always been strongest. And the story of this presidency isn’t close to being told yet."
"Obama likes the final stretch. It’s liberating for him, quite clearly. And clarifying for the rest of us. My point is a simple one: the long game has always mattered to this presidency, and we are now very much in the fourth quarter. That’s when Obama has always been strongest. And the story of this presidency isn’t close to being told yet."
Should Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld & CIA Officials Be Tried for Torture?
War Crimes Case Filed in Germany from Democracy Now
"Cheney’s claim that he would approve torture again highlights a key question: Are top officials above the law, and will the impunity of today lead to more abuses in the future?"
"Cheney’s claim that he would approve torture again highlights a key question: Are top officials above the law, and will the impunity of today lead to more abuses in the future?"
What to Do With the Authors of American Torture
Prosecute Torturers and Their Bosses from the Editorial Board of the New York Times
"These are, simply, crimes. They are prohibited by federal law, which defines torture as the intentional infliction of “severe physical or mental pain or suffering.” They are also banned by the Convention Against Torture, the international treaty that the United States ratified in 1994 and that requires prosecution of any acts of torture. So it is no wonder that today’s blinkered apologists are desperate to call these acts anything but torture, which they clearly were. As the report reveals, these claims fail for a simple reason: C.I.A. officials admitted at the time that what they intended to do was illegal."
"These are, simply, crimes. They are prohibited by federal law, which defines torture as the intentional infliction of “severe physical or mental pain or suffering.” They are also banned by the Convention Against Torture, the international treaty that the United States ratified in 1994 and that requires prosecution of any acts of torture. So it is no wonder that today’s blinkered apologists are desperate to call these acts anything but torture, which they clearly were. As the report reveals, these claims fail for a simple reason: C.I.A. officials admitted at the time that what they intended to do was illegal."
ANIMAL RIGHTS NUGGET!!
Court Rules Orangutan Held In Argentina Zoo Is 'Non-Human Person' And Can Be Freed from the Huffington Post
"In a landmark ruling that could pave the way for more lawsuits, the Association of Officials and Lawyers for Animal Rights (AFADA) argued the ape had sufficient cognitive functions and should not be treated as an object."
"In a landmark ruling that could pave the way for more lawsuits, the Association of Officials and Lawyers for Animal Rights (AFADA) argued the ape had sufficient cognitive functions and should not be treated as an object."
X-MAS NUGGET [of a sort]
I Fought (and Lost) the Battle against Christmas (Caren Chesler) from Salon
"I've had no luck getting my half-Jewish son to care about Hanukkah. Meanwhile, he can't stop singing about Jesus."
I have long argued that Christians have long had it down over other world faiths in the music department! For most of the last 600 years or so, Christian music just rocks! Nuggetsman
LIBRARY NUGGET!!
The Obama Library Might Look Like Something Out Of A Sci-Fi Fever Dream from the Huffington Post
"If Hawaii gets its way, the future Barack Obama Presidential Library will resemble a futuristic oceanside retreat more than a traditional government archive."
"If Hawaii gets its way, the future Barack Obama Presidential Library will resemble a futuristic oceanside retreat more than a traditional government archive."
MUST-READ FAST FOOD NUGGET!!
How Colonel Sanders Became Father Christmas in Japan from Talking Points Memo
" In what appears to be one of the most successful fast food marketing campaigns of all time, KFC has for more than thirty years maintained a uniquely on-brand alternate history in Japan, one that makes fried chicken ubiquitous on the day of Jesus’ birth."
" In what appears to be one of the most successful fast food marketing campaigns of all time, KFC has for more than thirty years maintained a uniquely on-brand alternate history in Japan, one that makes fried chicken ubiquitous on the day of Jesus’ birth."
Thursday, December 18, 2014
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: Erasing the Last Traces of Cold War Hostility
U.S. to Restore Full Relations With Cuba from the New York Times
"The historic deal broke an enduring stalemate between two countries divided by just 90 miles of water but oceans of mistrust and hostility dating from the days of Theodore Roosevelt’s charge up San Juan Hill and the nuclear brinkmanship of the Cuban missile crisis."
"The historic deal broke an enduring stalemate between two countries divided by just 90 miles of water but oceans of mistrust and hostility dating from the days of Theodore Roosevelt’s charge up San Juan Hill and the nuclear brinkmanship of the Cuban missile crisis."
Hopes Rise in Havana
As Havana Celebrates Historic Shift, Economic and Political Hopes Rise from the New York Times
"They crowded around old, battered televisions in Havana and erupted in tears and applause at a spectacle they could scarcely imagine, let alone believe: President Raúl Castro, followed by President Obama, heralding a new era of relations between Cuba and the United States."
"They crowded around old, battered televisions in Havana and erupted in tears and applause at a spectacle they could scarcely imagine, let alone believe: President Raúl Castro, followed by President Obama, heralding a new era of relations between Cuba and the United States."
A New Look at "Realism" in Foreign Policy
The Virtue of Amoral Foreign Policy (Robert Kaplan) from Real Clear World
"... when we think seriously about foreign policy, we think amorally. And if we do that right, we should certainly have power to spare for various types of humanitarian interventions."
"... when we think seriously about foreign policy, we think amorally. And if we do that right, we should certainly have power to spare for various types of humanitarian interventions."
The Case for Prosecuting Torturers
Dick Cheney Makes a Great Case for Prosecuting Torturers (Julliet Lapidos) from the New York Times
"Did any of the details from the report “plant any seed of doubt?” asked Mr. Todd. “Absolutely not,” Mr. Cheney answered. What about the fact that “25 percent of the detainees” turned out to be innocent? “I have no problem as long as we achieve our objective” answered Mr. Cheney, meaning “to get the guys who did 9/11.”"
"Did any of the details from the report “plant any seed of doubt?” asked Mr. Todd. “Absolutely not,” Mr. Cheney answered. What about the fact that “25 percent of the detainees” turned out to be innocent? “I have no problem as long as we achieve our objective” answered Mr. Cheney, meaning “to get the guys who did 9/11.”"
Bank of Russia Hikes Rate To Aid Sinking Currency
Bank of Russia Hikes Rate To Aid Sinking Currency from the Associated Press
"The action announced Tuesday in Moscow comes after the ruble's value has sunk roughly 50 percent since January, battered by Western sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine and plunging worldwide oil prices. The falling ruble threatens to escalate Russia's inflation to dangerous levels and paralyze the economy."
"The action announced Tuesday in Moscow comes after the ruble's value has sunk roughly 50 percent since January, battered by Western sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine and plunging worldwide oil prices. The falling ruble threatens to escalate Russia's inflation to dangerous levels and paralyze the economy."
Russia's Ruble Slides To Historic Lows
Russia's Ruble Slides To Historic Lows from the Associated Press
"Russian officials were clearly rattled even though state television urged citizens not to panic. "The situation is critical," Deputy Central Bank chairman Sergei Shvetsov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying. "We could not have imagined what is happening in our worst dreams.""
"Russian officials were clearly rattled even though state television urged citizens not to panic. "The situation is critical," Deputy Central Bank chairman Sergei Shvetsov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying. "We could not have imagined what is happening in our worst dreams.""
Obama Greases Russia's Slide
With Russia’s Ruble in Free-Fall, U.S. Plans New Sanctions from Foreign Policy Magazine
"As the Russian ruble continues its tumble against the dollar, President Barack Obama plans to sign a bill imposing new sanctions against Moscow, adding more pressure to a Russian economy already headed toward recession."
"As the Russian ruble continues its tumble against the dollar, President Barack Obama plans to sign a bill imposing new sanctions against Moscow, adding more pressure to a Russian economy already headed toward recession."
Putin's Few Options
Russia Is So Screwed (Jordan Weissmann) from Slate
"I asked Aslund what Russia do at this point to save itself. “The only thing Russia can do is to have the sanctions ended,” which would restore some normalcy to the financial system, he said. “I don’t see any other options.”"
"I asked Aslund what Russia do at this point to save itself. “The only thing Russia can do is to have the sanctions ended,” which would restore some normalcy to the financial system, he said. “I don’t see any other options.”"
A Geopolitical Nightmare Shaping Up in Russia?
No Happy Endings If Russia Melts Down from Foreign Policy Magazine
"Russia’s meltdown cannot and will not have a happy ending. Today’s Russia is not the Soviet behemoth, comparatively disconnected from the world economy. Nor is it the struggling reform economy of the 1990s. It is the world’s eighth largest economy, well integrated into the global
marketplace. If Russia goes into a prolonged recession, it is not just Russia itself that bears the consequences—it will be the rest of the world as well."
"Russia’s meltdown cannot and will not have a happy ending. Today’s Russia is not the Soviet behemoth, comparatively disconnected from the world economy. Nor is it the struggling reform economy of the 1990s. It is the world’s eighth largest economy, well integrated into the global
marketplace. If Russia goes into a prolonged recession, it is not just Russia itself that bears the consequences—it will be the rest of the world as well."
Putin and the Limits of Bluster and Rhetoric
Putin Can’t Bully or Bomb a Recession (Daniel Gross) from the Daily Beast
"Sanctions and rising oil prices have collapsed Russia’s currency, and there’s not a damn thing he can do about it. In fact, it’s going to get worse."
"Sanctions and rising oil prices have collapsed Russia’s currency, and there’s not a damn thing he can do about it. In fact, it’s going to get worse."
Lower Oil Prices and the Landscape of Distress They Have Created
How Countries Around The World Are Coping With Falling Oil Prices from the Hufffington Post
"The price of oil has been plummeting for months, leaving oil-producing nations around the world aghast at their sinking revenues. Poor global economic growth has cut demand, while the U.S. is producing oil faster than ever recorded."
"The price of oil has been plummeting for months, leaving oil-producing nations around the world aghast at their sinking revenues. Poor global economic growth has cut demand, while the U.S. is producing oil faster than ever recorded."
The Cheney Defense Campaign
Fox Catches Dick Cheney Lying About Torture (Conor Friedersdorf) from the Atlantic
"The former vice president's defense of brutal CIA interrogations is falling apart under scrutiny."
"The former vice president's defense of brutal CIA interrogations is falling apart under scrutiny."
Torture and Accountability: What About the Doctors?
‘Do No Harm’: When Doctors Torture (Julie Beck) from the Atlantic
"Medical officers used their knowledge to aid and abet the CIA's interrogation tactics."
"Medical officers used their knowledge to aid and abet the CIA's interrogation tactics."
Subdued Hong Kong
The Protest Retreats, with Losses on Both Sides from the Editorial Board of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"The demonstrations in Hong Kong against Beijing rule that played out for some 75 days have been brought to an end by Chinese authorities. For the most fervent of the demonstrators it was a defeat."
"The demonstrations in Hong Kong against Beijing rule that played out for some 75 days have been brought to an end by Chinese authorities. For the most fervent of the demonstrators it was a defeat."
Obama's BIG Judicial Legacy!!
'Nuclear Option' Helps Obama Reshape The Courts For A Generation from Talking Points Memo
"President Barack Obama can thank outgoing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) for triggering the "nuclear option" in November 2013 and securing him one of the most robust judicial legacies of any modern president. In six years, he has appointed a whopping 307 judges, who will shape the law for decades after he leaves office."
"President Barack Obama can thank outgoing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) for triggering the "nuclear option" in November 2013 and securing him one of the most robust judicial legacies of any modern president. In six years, he has appointed a whopping 307 judges, who will shape the law for decades after he leaves office."
The Rise of the Partisan Presidency
Our Unrealistic Hopes for Presidents (Brendan Nyhan) from the New York Times
"As we approach the next presidential campaign, we need to stop asking who can achieve the unity that has eluded Mr. Obama. For better or worse, the partisan presidency is here to stay."
"As we approach the next presidential campaign, we need to stop asking who can achieve the unity that has eluded Mr. Obama. For better or worse, the partisan presidency is here to stay."
Hillary: Learning the Lessons from 2008?
As 2016 Nears, Hillary Clinton Keeps in Mind Mistakes of 2008 Campaign from the New York Times
"Little by little, Mrs. Clinton is taking steps that suggest she has learned from the mistakes, both tactical and personal, of her failed candidacy. After more than six years of pundits dissecting what went wrong in 2008, her circle of advisers is beginning to draft a blueprint for a different kind of campaign. And although Mrs. Clinton has since bolstered her public image while serving as secretary of state, her next campaign will in part be assessed by her ability to avoid the errors of the last one."
So far, I have seen little that is fundamentally different than the way she ran in 2008.
"Little by little, Mrs. Clinton is taking steps that suggest she has learned from the mistakes, both tactical and personal, of her failed candidacy. After more than six years of pundits dissecting what went wrong in 2008, her circle of advisers is beginning to draft a blueprint for a different kind of campaign. And although Mrs. Clinton has since bolstered her public image while serving as secretary of state, her next campaign will in part be assessed by her ability to avoid the errors of the last one."
So far, I have seen little that is fundamentally different than the way she ran in 2008.
Long-expected Bad News for the Clintons
Jeb Bush's Presidential Hopes: Bad News for Hillary (David Frum) from the Atlantic
"The former Florida governor may or may not be a strong candidate, but his presence brings out the Democratic frontrunner's biggest weaknesses."
Interesting. Frum (a fairly sane conservative whose views a usually take seriously) argues a general point that I agree with (Bush will pose serious problems for Hillary) but mostly for reasons that I find either sexist, ageist, or just off target.
"The former Florida governor may or may not be a strong candidate, but his presence brings out the Democratic frontrunner's biggest weaknesses."
Interesting. Frum (a fairly sane conservative whose views a usually take seriously) argues a general point that I agree with (Bush will pose serious problems for Hillary) but mostly for reasons that I find either sexist, ageist, or just off target.
BUSH-CLINTON 2016 NUGGET!!
Ready For Hillary And Jeb To Declare Their Independence (Jill Lawrence) from the National Memo
"Clinton and Bush need to find ways to convince the nation that they are turning the page — that they are the future, not the past. Bush furthermore needs to differentiate himself from his father and brother. And Clinton needs to make clear she is not the same candidate she was in 2008. In short, these overly familiar figures need to surprise us."
Lawrence (in contrast with the numbwit below) is SPOT-ON as she looks at the hurdles both Jeb and Hillary face looking towards 2016. A MUST-READ! -- Nuggetsman
"Clinton and Bush need to find ways to convince the nation that they are turning the page — that they are the future, not the past. Bush furthermore needs to differentiate himself from his father and brother. And Clinton needs to make clear she is not the same candidate she was in 2008. In short, these overly familiar figures need to surprise us."
Lawrence (in contrast with the numbwit below) is SPOT-ON as she looks at the hurdles both Jeb and Hillary face looking towards 2016. A MUST-READ! -- Nuggetsman
IDIOTIC LIBERAL OPINION NUGGET!!
Run, Jeb, run! (Laurence Lewis) from Daily Kos
"While the Republican brand continues to alienate all other demographics, it needs to dominate among white voters just to have a chance in national elections. But against Hillary, it has no chance. Even the latest supposed Republican savior, Jeb Bush, consistently polls as unable to beat Clinton even in his home state of Florida. And gets crushed by her nationwide."
Now, let's be clear (for newbies to this site): I very much lean to the liberal side of the political spectrum and I read Daily Kos regularly. But Lewis's posting here is SO stupidly misleading that it demands a couple of penalty flags! Polling like this is absolutely useless! After a year and a half of relentless attacks and resurrecting old Clinton scandals from the 1990s, conservative voters will rally to Bush and his numbers will improve-- IF (and this may be the biggest question looking ahead) Bush can get the GOP nomination. Ignore this kind of "blather from the liberal bubble". I hope I'm wrong -- but if Bush runs AND gets the nomination, it will be a very close election. -- Nuggetsman
"While the Republican brand continues to alienate all other demographics, it needs to dominate among white voters just to have a chance in national elections. But against Hillary, it has no chance. Even the latest supposed Republican savior, Jeb Bush, consistently polls as unable to beat Clinton even in his home state of Florida. And gets crushed by her nationwide."
Now, let's be clear (for newbies to this site): I very much lean to the liberal side of the political spectrum and I read Daily Kos regularly. But Lewis's posting here is SO stupidly misleading that it demands a couple of penalty flags! Polling like this is absolutely useless! After a year and a half of relentless attacks and resurrecting old Clinton scandals from the 1990s, conservative voters will rally to Bush and his numbers will improve-- IF (and this may be the biggest question looking ahead) Bush can get the GOP nomination. Ignore this kind of "blather from the liberal bubble". I hope I'm wrong -- but if Bush runs AND gets the nomination, it will be a very close election. -- Nuggetsman
WORLD WAR II ANNIVERSARY NUGGET!!
Belgian royals mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes from the Daily Mail [of the UK]
"The Battle of the Bulge was one of the bloodiest of the Second World War Saw thousands of Nazi troops descend on Ardennes without notice. U.S. Army soldiers defended heavily forested region in Belgium."
"The Battle of the Bulge was one of the bloodiest of the Second World War Saw thousands of Nazi troops descend on Ardennes without notice. U.S. Army soldiers defended heavily forested region in Belgium."
REVOLUTIONARY WAR NUGGET!!
Crews Unearth 1795 Time Capsule Buried By Paul Revere, Samuel Adams from Talking Points Memo
" Crews removed a time capsule dating back to 1795 on Thursday from the granite cornerstone of the Massachusetts Statehouse, where historians believe it was originally placed by Revolutionary War luminaries Samuel Adams and Paul Revere among others."
" Crews removed a time capsule dating back to 1795 on Thursday from the granite cornerstone of the Massachusetts Statehouse, where historians believe it was originally placed by Revolutionary War luminaries Samuel Adams and Paul Revere among others."
CYBORG NUGGET!!
Watch the incredible moment double amputee uses TWO mind-controlled arms for the first time from the Daily Mail [of the UK]
"Patient has surgery to 'reassign' nerves that once controlled his arms to device. Patients was then able to operate the system by thinking about moving. Was able to control both arm and hand - even lifting up cups."
"Patient has surgery to 'reassign' nerves that once controlled his arms to device. Patients was then able to operate the system by thinking about moving. Was able to control both arm and hand - even lifting up cups."
Friday, December 12, 2014
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: Prosecutions Over US Torture - May Not Be Up To US Authorities
UN Expert Calls For Prosecution Over U.S. Torture from the Huffington Post
""In all countries, if someone commits murder, they are prosecuted and jailed. If they commit rape or armed robbery, they are prosecuted and jailed. If they order, enable or commit torture — recognized as a serious international crime — they cannot simply be granted impunity because of political expediency," he said."
""In all countries, if someone commits murder, they are prosecuted and jailed. If they commit rape or armed robbery, they are prosecuted and jailed. If they order, enable or commit torture — recognized as a serious international crime — they cannot simply be granted impunity because of political expediency," he said."
Putin blames the West for sabotaging Russia’s economy
Putin blames the West for sabotaging Russia’s economy from Salon
"The Russian president used his annual state of the union to defend his hawkish foreign policy."
"The Russian president used his annual state of the union to defend his hawkish foreign policy."
Ricks: Reflections on Iraq
In and Out of Time in Iraq (Tom Ricks) from the New Yorker
"In the back of my brain, an unconscious thought was growing, whispering, insisting on being heard: something is very wrong here. It hit me hard; it was a personal feeling. This wasn’t a matter of policy, this was a matter of my life: This war is going to be very different from the other conflicts you have covered..."
"In the back of my brain, an unconscious thought was growing, whispering, insisting on being heard: something is very wrong here. It hit me hard; it was a personal feeling. This wasn’t a matter of policy, this was a matter of my life: This war is going to be very different from the other conflicts you have covered..."
Turning Loose More Detainees ... Finally
Obama Effort Leads To Surge In Guantanamo Releases from the Huffington Post
"With the sudden surge in transfers, Guantanamo is now at a turning point. The prisoner population is at 136 — down from a high of near 700 and its lowest point since shortly after it opened in January 2002 — with 68 of the prisoners cleared for transfer. Officials have said at least five more will be moved by Dec. 31."
"With the sudden surge in transfers, Guantanamo is now at a turning point. The prisoner population is at 136 — down from a high of near 700 and its lowest point since shortly after it opened in January 2002 — with 68 of the prisoners cleared for transfer. Officials have said at least five more will be moved by Dec. 31."
Frank Serpico's Comments on Eric Garner's Death
Serpico: Incidents like Eric Garner's death drive wedge between police and society (Frank Serpico) from the New York Daily News
"Cowardly cops living by the 'shoot first, ask questions later' mantra put the good guys in a bad light and threaten the public's right to justice."
"Cowardly cops living by the 'shoot first, ask questions later' mantra put the good guys in a bad light and threaten the public's right to justice."
The Party of Poseurs Strikes Again
Conservatives are right. GOP is caving in face of Obama ‘tyranny.’" (Greg Sargent) from the Washington Post
"If you take at face value House GOP leaders’ own lurid depictions of Obama’s action as a dire Constitutional threat, they are basically rolling over in the face of it. Indeed, if they don’t exercise maximum resistance now, barring a lucky break in the courts later, there may be little they can do to stop it. The Hill reports this morning that even if Republicans were to refuse to fund DHS, it would be unlikely to stop Obama’s executive action."
"If you take at face value House GOP leaders’ own lurid depictions of Obama’s action as a dire Constitutional threat, they are basically rolling over in the face of it. Indeed, if they don’t exercise maximum resistance now, barring a lucky break in the courts later, there may be little they can do to stop it. The Hill reports this morning that even if Republicans were to refuse to fund DHS, it would be unlikely to stop Obama’s executive action."
Predicting the Fallout from King v. Burwell
Predicting the Fallout from King v. Burwell — Exchanges and the ACA (Nicholas Bagley et al.,) from the New England Journal of Medicine
"ACA supporters thus have good reason to worry. For at least several years, and perhaps for much longer, the outcome in King could determine whether millions of people continue to have access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance."
"ACA supporters thus have good reason to worry. For at least several years, and perhaps for much longer, the outcome in King could determine whether millions of people continue to have access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance."
Looking Back on Hillary's History
Hillary Clinton’s History as First Lady: Powerful, but Not Always Deft from the New York Times
"What Mrs. Clinton leaves out about her time as first lady is her messy, sometimes explosive and often politically clumsy dealings with congressional Republicans and White House aides. Now, the release of roughly 6,000 pages of extraordinarily candid interviews with more than 60 veterans of the Clinton administration paints a more nuanced portrait of a first lady who was at once formidable and not always politically deft."
"What Mrs. Clinton leaves out about her time as first lady is her messy, sometimes explosive and often politically clumsy dealings with congressional Republicans and White House aides. Now, the release of roughly 6,000 pages of extraordinarily candid interviews with more than 60 veterans of the Clinton administration paints a more nuanced portrait of a first lady who was at once formidable and not always politically deft."
Jeb Bush: More Conservative Than People Think
Reinventing Jeb Bush (S.V. Date) from Politico
"How America misremembers the family’s true conservative. ... Admittedly, there are his heresies on Common Core and immigration, the two hottest-button issues of the day in that world—but that’s enough to make Jeb a moderate? Really? For those of us who covered Jeb’s two terms in Tallahassee, this is beyond mind-boggling. On issue after issue, Jeb’s track record in Florida pushed conservatism’s envelope to the breaking point."
"How America misremembers the family’s true conservative. ... Admittedly, there are his heresies on Common Core and immigration, the two hottest-button issues of the day in that world—but that’s enough to make Jeb a moderate? Really? For those of us who covered Jeb’s two terms in Tallahassee, this is beyond mind-boggling. On issue after issue, Jeb’s track record in Florida pushed conservatism’s envelope to the breaking point."
Jeb Bush: Ahead of the Game for 2016?
Is Jeb Bush really prepared to lose in order to win? (Dan Balz) from the Washington Post
"Jeb Bush might or might not run for president in 2016. If he runs, he might or might not emerge as a winner. But his formulation for how to think about waging a successful presidential campaign suggests he already is ahead of some of his potential competitors — in both parties."
"Jeb Bush might or might not run for president in 2016. If he runs, he might or might not emerge as a winner. But his formulation for how to think about waging a successful presidential campaign suggests he already is ahead of some of his potential competitors — in both parties."
Beautiful Caves Nugget!!
Labour of love: Artist spends 10 years digging tunnels and carving amazing 'cathedral-like' rooms BY HAND in New Mexico caves from the Daily Mail [of the UK]
Ra Paulette uses small tools to dig and create designs in cave walls The 68-year-old is calling it his final and most ambitious project He has carved holes into the walls or ceilings to bring in natural light Mr Paulette is featured in a new documentary called Cavedigger."
Ra Paulette uses small tools to dig and create designs in cave walls The 68-year-old is calling it his final and most ambitious project He has carved holes into the walls or ceilings to bring in natural light Mr Paulette is featured in a new documentary called Cavedigger."
Friday, December 5, 2014
News Nuggets 1498
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| DAYLEE PICTURE: An ice cave over the Mutnovsky Volcano in Russia. |
Just so readers know, in the short term, due to a very busy schedule, postings will continue to be sporadic.
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: Vast Continent, Small World: America's Geopolitical Reality
Vast Continent, Small World: America's Geopolitical Reality (Robert Kaplan) from Real Clear World
"For when Saddam invaded Kuwait, upsetting the status quo in the Middle East, only the United States was in a position to reverse what he had done. And it was in such a position only because of the military armature it had built up in the course of the Cold War. In other words, having defended the free world for almost half a century, there was no possibility of retreating back into itself."
"For when Saddam invaded Kuwait, upsetting the status quo in the Middle East, only the United States was in a position to reverse what he had done. And it was in such a position only because of the military armature it had built up in the course of the Cold War. In other words, having defended the free world for almost half a century, there was no possibility of retreating back into itself."
Here's How Bad Corruption Is Around The World
Here's How Bad Corruption Is Around The World from the Huffington Post
"A new map by Transparency International, a non-profit group dedicated to fighting governmental and corporate corruption, shows how levels of corruption vary around the world. Using data and expert opinion from 12 independent institutions specializing in governance, the group ranked 175 countries on factors such as the prevalence of bribery, how countries prosecute corruption, and how governments respond to their population's needs, such as guaranteeing basic human rights."
"A new map by Transparency International, a non-profit group dedicated to fighting governmental and corporate corruption, shows how levels of corruption vary around the world. Using data and expert opinion from 12 independent institutions specializing in governance, the group ranked 175 countries on factors such as the prevalence of bribery, how countries prosecute corruption, and how governments respond to their population's needs, such as guaranteeing basic human rights."
REPORTS: Obamacare Is Working Incredibly Well
Four New Studies Show Obamacare Is Working Incredibly Well (Jonathan Chait) from New York Magazine
"What makes this wave of regret — not even taking into account the unmitigated hostility from the political right — so strange is that Obamacare is actually working. Indeed, evidence continues to mount that the law is working extremely, even shockingly, well."
"What makes this wave of regret — not even taking into account the unmitigated hostility from the political right — so strange is that Obamacare is actually working. Indeed, evidence continues to mount that the law is working extremely, even shockingly, well."
Obama Uses Old Law To Go Big On Climate Change
Obama Uses Old Law To Go Big On Climate Change from the New York Times
""Censure comes up as a possible alternative to impeachment. But then the question comes up, what does censure get you that simply denouncing the president in a news conference doesn't get you?" Gerhardt said."
The more meaningless and partisan it is the more likely they are to do it.
""Censure comes up as a possible alternative to impeachment. But then the question comes up, what does censure get you that simply denouncing the president in a news conference doesn't get you?" Gerhardt said."
The more meaningless and partisan it is the more likely they are to do it.
The anxieties of the GOP majority
The anxieties of the GOP majority from Politico
"Even after a historic midterm win, Republican confusion over how to respond to Obama on immigration is evidence of a changing party."
"Even after a historic midterm win, Republican confusion over how to respond to Obama on immigration is evidence of a changing party."
The Cycle of Republican Radicalization
The Cycle of Republican Radicalization (Paul Waldman) from the American Prospect
"Elite Republicans take their place in the fight against Obama; then rank-and-file Republicans follow along; then pushed by their constituencies, the officeholders harden their positions, which in turn pulls their voters farther to the right, and on it goes. The particularly intense loathing Republicans at all levels have for Obama feeds the cycle, pushing them toward not just disagreeing with him on particular courses of policy but rejecting the underlying principles he holds."
"Elite Republicans take their place in the fight against Obama; then rank-and-file Republicans follow along; then pushed by their constituencies, the officeholders harden their positions, which in turn pulls their voters farther to the right, and on it goes. The particularly intense loathing Republicans at all levels have for Obama feeds the cycle, pushing them toward not just disagreeing with him on particular courses of policy but rejecting the underlying principles he holds."
For GOP, Censuring Obama Replaces Impeachment
Republicans Float 'Impeachment Lite' Plan To Censure Obama from Talking Points Memo
"An alternative that has gained some traction among Republicans is to "censure" the president. The idea has been endorsed by King and Rep. Raul Labrador, both influential GOP voices on immigration issues. National Review writer John Fund has been pushing it for months."
"An alternative that has gained some traction among Republicans is to "censure" the president. The idea has been endorsed by King and Rep. Raul Labrador, both influential GOP voices on immigration issues. National Review writer John Fund has been pushing it for months."
Latino Voters Supportive Of Hillary Clinton
Latino Voters Supportive Of Hillary Clinton After Obama's Immigration Actions: Poll from the Huffington Post
"Latino voters seem primed to back potential Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in significant numbers, and President Barack Obama's recent executive action on immigration could strengthen their support for her, according to a poll released on Wednesday by Latino Decisions."
"Latino voters seem primed to back potential Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in significant numbers, and President Barack Obama's recent executive action on immigration could strengthen their support for her, according to a poll released on Wednesday by Latino Decisions."
Jeb Looks Not Just Like a Candidate -- But Perhaps a Smart Candidate
Jeb Bush: GOP Must 'Lose The Primary To Win The General' from the Huffinton Post
"I don’t know if I’d be a good candidate or a bad one," Bush told attendees. "But I kinda know how a Republican can win, whether it’s me or somebody else." A winning candidate "has to be much more uplifting, much more positive, much more willing to be practical," than recent Republican presidential nominees, he said. The candidate should also be willing "[To] lose the primary to win the general, without violating your principles," Bush said."
THESE are the words of a very savvy pol! The odds of him running in 2016 just went up in my view -- and IF he gets the nomination, he could be a VERY formidable opponent against Hillary or any other Democrat. Can he win the nomination with this strategy? Maybe. I could easily see him being the only GOP contender with a positive message and someone willing to take real risks -- rather than just spoon-feeding his base what they want to hear. However, if I were a betting man, I would say the odds are this strategy would fail -- simply because the base has too much of a hysterical lynch mob mentality rather than a coherent group willing too be reasoned with -- which I think is what Jeb is selling. He could be the GOP's Bill Clinton of 1992 -- or he could simply be the Jon Huntsman of 2008. -- Nuggetsman
"I don’t know if I’d be a good candidate or a bad one," Bush told attendees. "But I kinda know how a Republican can win, whether it’s me or somebody else." A winning candidate "has to be much more uplifting, much more positive, much more willing to be practical," than recent Republican presidential nominees, he said. The candidate should also be willing "[To] lose the primary to win the general, without violating your principles," Bush said."
THESE are the words of a very savvy pol! The odds of him running in 2016 just went up in my view -- and IF he gets the nomination, he could be a VERY formidable opponent against Hillary or any other Democrat. Can he win the nomination with this strategy? Maybe. I could easily see him being the only GOP contender with a positive message and someone willing to take real risks -- rather than just spoon-feeding his base what they want to hear. However, if I were a betting man, I would say the odds are this strategy would fail -- simply because the base has too much of a hysterical lynch mob mentality rather than a coherent group willing too be reasoned with -- which I think is what Jeb is selling. He could be the GOP's Bill Clinton of 1992 -- or he could simply be the Jon Huntsman of 2008. -- Nuggetsman
ACTION MOVIE NUGGET!!
The New James Bond Movie Is Called 'Spectre' from the Huffington Post
"James Bond has returned. Twenty-five months after "Skyfall" debuted, director Sam Mendes announced the title and cast of the 24th Bond film during a press conference at Pinewood Studios in England on Thursday. The next 007 adventure, "Spectre," will arrive in theaters on Nov. 6, 2015."
"James Bond has returned. Twenty-five months after "Skyfall" debuted, director Sam Mendes announced the title and cast of the 24th Bond film during a press conference at Pinewood Studios in England on Thursday. The next 007 adventure, "Spectre," will arrive in theaters on Nov. 6, 2015."
HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES NUGGET!!
38 Celebs Who Have Severe Illnesses from Press Room VIP
"Sure, a lot of celebrities look as if their lives are perfect, but underneath all the fancy clothing and makeup, many of the them suffer from the same issues that some of the rest of the world suffers from. And just as with many things in life, illnesses do not discriminate against the famous."
"Sure, a lot of celebrities look as if their lives are perfect, but underneath all the fancy clothing and makeup, many of the them suffer from the same issues that some of the rest of the world suffers from. And just as with many things in life, illnesses do not discriminate against the famous."
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