The Tragedy of the American Military (James Fallows) from the Atlantic
"The American public and its political leadership will do anything for the military except take it seriously. The result is a chickenhawk nation in which careless spending and strategic folly combine to lure America into endless wars it can’t win."
Saturday, January 30, 2016
ELECTION PRIMER: What the Primary Calendar Looks Like Going Forward
Why the GOP Primary Could Be Even Crazier Than You Think from Politico
"As we prepare for 19 weeks of voting, here’s an insider’s look at how major calendar moments could bring the nominating process to an end—or carry the chaos over to yet another contested round."
"As we prepare for 19 weeks of voting, here’s an insider’s look at how major calendar moments could bring the nominating process to an end—or carry the chaos over to yet another contested round."
Surveying the GOP Rubble in the Wake of the Trumpocalypse
Trump’s GOP rivals did nothing Thursday night to block his path to the nomination (Joan Walsh) from the Nation
" A testy Rubio then attacked Cruz. “You helped design George W. Bush’s immigration policy. Now you want to Trump Trump on immigration. We’re not going to beat Hillary Clinton with someone who’s willing to say anything to win an election.” But the sad clash had left all three of them looking like they’d say anything to win an election—and showed how mainstream Trump’s immigration position is within the GOP, rhetoric aside."
" A testy Rubio then attacked Cruz. “You helped design George W. Bush’s immigration policy. Now you want to Trump Trump on immigration. We’re not going to beat Hillary Clinton with someone who’s willing to say anything to win an election.” But the sad clash had left all three of them looking like they’d say anything to win an election—and showed how mainstream Trump’s immigration position is within the GOP, rhetoric aside."
Party Insiders: "It feels like the party is on the brink of breaking apart."
Portrait of a Party on the Verge of Coming Apart (Molly Ball) from the Atlantic
"... for many Republicans—the ones not living in fantasyland—the current battle for the party, between the nihilistic forces of Trump and Cruz on the one hand and the uninspiring conventional politicians on the other, feels like something deeper. It feels like a duel from which only one participant will walk away. It feels like the party is on the brink of breaking apart."
"... for many Republicans—the ones not living in fantasyland—the current battle for the party, between the nihilistic forces of Trump and Cruz on the one hand and the uninspiring conventional politicians on the other, feels like something deeper. It feels like a duel from which only one participant will walk away. It feels like the party is on the brink of breaking apart."
The Republican Party: Hijacked by the divisive and the dumb
On the ‘Dumbing Down’ of the GOP (Matt Lewis) from Roll Call
This is from a CONSERVATIVE pundit!!
"Somewhere between Ronald Reagan’s “A Time for Choosing” speech in support of Barry Goldwater in 1964 and the most recent government shutdown, the conservative movement became neither conservative nor a movement. Hijacked by the divisive and the dumb, it now finds itself hostage to emotions and irrational thinking. It became more personal and less principled — more flippant and less thoughtful. It became mean. It became lazy. It became its own worst enemy. Where once the movement drew strength from its desire to win the philosophical argument over its adversaries, it now wears its lost causes as badges of honor — expected, like Coriolanus, to show these battle scars as a means of vote mongering. This is the story of how that happened..."
This is from a CONSERVATIVE pundit!!
"Somewhere between Ronald Reagan’s “A Time for Choosing” speech in support of Barry Goldwater in 1964 and the most recent government shutdown, the conservative movement became neither conservative nor a movement. Hijacked by the divisive and the dumb, it now finds itself hostage to emotions and irrational thinking. It became more personal and less principled — more flippant and less thoughtful. It became mean. It became lazy. It became its own worst enemy. Where once the movement drew strength from its desire to win the philosophical argument over its adversaries, it now wears its lost causes as badges of honor — expected, like Coriolanus, to show these battle scars as a means of vote mongering. This is the story of how that happened..."
Gates: GOP candidates' have a grasp of national security issues that “would embarrass a middle schooler”
Robert Gates: Republicans' grasp of national security is at a child's level from the Guardian [of the UK]
"Robert Gates, a Republican stalwart and former US defence secretary who served under eight presidents, has derided the party’s election candidates for a grasp of national security issues that “would embarrass a middle schooler”. ... Former defense secretary condemns media for failing to challenge presidential candidates on promises he believes are unaffordable, illegal or unconstitutional."
"Robert Gates, a Republican stalwart and former US defence secretary who served under eight presidents, has derided the party’s election candidates for a grasp of national security issues that “would embarrass a middle schooler”. ... Former defense secretary condemns media for failing to challenge presidential candidates on promises he believes are unaffordable, illegal or unconstitutional."
Entertaining Visions on "Why Trump is a STRONG candidate"
Donald Trump’s Plan to Defeat Hillary Clinton Is Even More Delusional Than You’d Expect (Jonathan Chait) from New York Magazine
"“How Donald Trump Defeats Hillary Clinton” is the headline of a Politico story, and possibly the least convincing electability argument ever published in a mainstream publication. The author, Ben Schreckinger, cites numerous arguments for why Trump would fare better than you think. Here are the most entertaining ones: ..."
"“How Donald Trump Defeats Hillary Clinton” is the headline of a Politico story, and possibly the least convincing electability argument ever published in a mainstream publication. The author, Ben Schreckinger, cites numerous arguments for why Trump would fare better than you think. Here are the most entertaining ones: ..."
Monday, January 18, 2016
News Nuggets 1545
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| DAYLEE PICTURE: The Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. From National Geographic. |
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: GOP Contenders - CLUELESS on Foreign Policy
Obama’s Republican Foreign Policy Critics Don’t Understand How the World Works (Fred Kaplan) from Slate
"But it also reflects something more dangerous about not just Trump but most of the leading GOP candidates: a view that “hitting them hard” is the only way to get people to do things, and that patient diplomacy is for suckers and weaklings."
"But it also reflects something more dangerous about not just Trump but most of the leading GOP candidates: a view that “hitting them hard” is the only way to get people to do things, and that patient diplomacy is for suckers and weaklings."
China's Economic Meltdown
The China Bubble Pops (Robert Samuelson) from Real Clear Politics
"... China faces two problems, says Scissors, that dampen economic growth: high debts and an aging and stagnant population. The older population will shrink the size of the labor force; fewer workers will crimp the economy's output. (Between 2015 and 2040, China's working-age population 15-to-64 will fall by about 14 percent, projects the U.S. Census Bureau. That's nearly 140 million people.) Meanwhile, debt -- for households, businesses and government -- soared by $20 trillion in the past eight years, says Scissors."
"... China faces two problems, says Scissors, that dampen economic growth: high debts and an aging and stagnant population. The older population will shrink the size of the labor force; fewer workers will crimp the economy's output. (Between 2015 and 2040, China's working-age population 15-to-64 will fall by about 14 percent, projects the U.S. Census Bureau. That's nearly 140 million people.) Meanwhile, debt -- for households, businesses and government -- soared by $20 trillion in the past eight years, says Scissors."
Russia’s Economy: Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenario
Medvedev: Russia’s Economy Must Prepare for Worst-Case Scenario from Voice of America
"Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the Russian economy is looking better than one year ago but must prepare for the worst-case scenario as it continues to suffer from low oil prices and the impact of Western sanctions. ... Russia’s economy contracted 3.8 percent last year as oil, its major export, dropped in price by 70 percent to $30 a barrel. Western sanctions against Russia, because of its 2014 annexation of Crimea and continued military backing for rebels in eastern Ukraine, cut off its banks from international credit. The value of the ruble has dropped from a high of 30 to the dollar to around 75."
"Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the Russian economy is looking better than one year ago but must prepare for the worst-case scenario as it continues to suffer from low oil prices and the impact of Western sanctions. ... Russia’s economy contracted 3.8 percent last year as oil, its major export, dropped in price by 70 percent to $30 a barrel. Western sanctions against Russia, because of its 2014 annexation of Crimea and continued military backing for rebels in eastern Ukraine, cut off its banks from international credit. The value of the ruble has dropped from a high of 30 to the dollar to around 75."
Russian Economic Downturn: Taking Down the Middle Class
A Dark Cloud Is Descending Over Russia's Economy (Samuel Bendett) from Real Clear World
"A number of economic bubbles, created when the economy heavily depended on oil and gas for its well-being -- such as for example, in real estate -- will burst sooner or later, leading to the collapse of the well-being of many of those who used to consider themselves the Russian middle class."
"A number of economic bubbles, created when the economy heavily depended on oil and gas for its well-being -- such as for example, in real estate -- will burst sooner or later, leading to the collapse of the well-being of many of those who used to consider themselves the Russian middle class."
A Global Shakeup Coming from Falling Oil Prices?
The Guardian view on the geopolitics of falling oil prices from the Guardian [of the UK]
"In the geopolitics of oil production, predictions are always risky. However important it may be, the price of crude is never the single factor driving events. That a global shakeup will occur if the spectacular tumble in prices persists is, however, a fairly safe bet."
"In the geopolitics of oil production, predictions are always risky. However important it may be, the price of crude is never the single factor driving events. That a global shakeup will occur if the spectacular tumble in prices persists is, however, a fairly safe bet."
Iran and Saudi: Squaring Off Each for their own Reasons
Why Saudi Arabia and Iran May Be Seeking a New Crisis (Fred Kaplan) from Slate
"The Saudi royal family and Iranian hard-liners both could benefit from the tensions."
"The Saudi royal family and Iranian hard-liners both could benefit from the tensions."
Obama's Historically SUBSTANTIVE Second Term
Obama's Second Term Could Be The Most Consequential In Recent Memory from the Huffington Post
"Barack Obama enters the final year of his presidency with plenty of unfinished business, from closing Guantanamo Bay to completing negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership. But Obama has already accomplished a great deal in his second term -- more than many of his critics concede and perhaps as much as any president in modern history."
"Barack Obama enters the final year of his presidency with plenty of unfinished business, from closing Guantanamo Bay to completing negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership. But Obama has already accomplished a great deal in his second term -- more than many of his critics concede and perhaps as much as any president in modern history."
Iran's Prisoner Release Troubles the GOP's Fixed View of the World
Iran Opens for Business (Roger Cohen) from the New York Times
"Some people cannot stand good news. It troubles their fixed view of the world. These would include Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican presidential candidate, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, who were cast into a huff by the confirmed reversal of Iran’s nuclear program and its release of several Americans, including Jason Rezaian of The Washington Post. Try a smile, guys. Toughness is no more than empty aggression when it will not admit to misjudgment. Diplomacy delivers."
"Some people cannot stand good news. It troubles their fixed view of the world. These would include Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican presidential candidate, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, who were cast into a huff by the confirmed reversal of Iran’s nuclear program and its release of several Americans, including Jason Rezaian of The Washington Post. Try a smile, guys. Toughness is no more than empty aggression when it will not admit to misjudgment. Diplomacy delivers."
Obama's Under-the-Radar Domestic Policy Victories
The Nation Obama Built (Michael Gruenfield) from Politico
"A POLITICO review of Barack Obama’s domestic policy legacy—and the changes he made while nobody was paying attention. ... it’s remarkable how often Obama has gotten what he wanted, in many cases policies that Democrats (and sometimes moderate Republicans) have wanted for decades, and how often those policies have slipped under the radar."
"A POLITICO review of Barack Obama’s domestic policy legacy—and the changes he made while nobody was paying attention. ... it’s remarkable how often Obama has gotten what he wanted, in many cases policies that Democrats (and sometimes moderate Republicans) have wanted for decades, and how often those policies have slipped under the radar."
On Gun Control: Do-nothingness as a policy and smug intransigence as a philosophy
Obsessed with Guns (Kathleen Parker) from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"It is one thing to be in the pocket of the National Rifle Association. It is another to do nothing and then assume a superior posture of purposeful neglect, as though do-nothingness were a policy and smug intransigence a philosophy."
"It is one thing to be in the pocket of the National Rifle Association. It is another to do nothing and then assume a superior posture of purposeful neglect, as though do-nothingness were a policy and smug intransigence a philosophy."
The Geography of Trump Support and Racism
Donald Trump’s Strongest Supporters: A Certain Kind of Democrat (Nate Cohn) from the New York Times
"... “This type of animus towards African-Americans is far more common than just about anyone would have guessed,” said Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, the economist who first used Google search data to measure racial animus ... Ultimately, his coalition may augur a bigger challenge for the Republican Party than it does for his own candidacy."
CHECK OUT the maps Cohn put together here!
"... “This type of animus towards African-Americans is far more common than just about anyone would have guessed,” said Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, the economist who first used Google search data to measure racial animus ... Ultimately, his coalition may augur a bigger challenge for the Republican Party than it does for his own candidacy."
CHECK OUT the maps Cohn put together here!
A Trump Nomination and the End of the GOP
Trump’s Nomination would Rip the Heart out of the Republican Party (Michael Gerson) from the Washington Post
"Trump’s nomination would not be the temporary victory of one of the GOP’s ideological factions. It would involve the replacement of the humane ideal at the center of the party and its history. If Trump were the nominee, the GOP would cease to be. ... as a demagogue, he has followed some of America’s worst instincts wherever they have led, and fed ethnic and religious prejudice in the process. All presidential nominees, to some extent, shape their parties into their own image. Trump would deface the GOP beyond recognition."
"Trump’s nomination would not be the temporary victory of one of the GOP’s ideological factions. It would involve the replacement of the humane ideal at the center of the party and its history. If Trump were the nominee, the GOP would cease to be. ... as a demagogue, he has followed some of America’s worst instincts wherever they have led, and fed ethnic and religious prejudice in the process. All presidential nominees, to some extent, shape their parties into their own image. Trump would deface the GOP beyond recognition."
Conservative Pundit: President Trump? Never
Why I Will Never Vote for Donald Trump (Peter Wehner) from the New York Times
"Mr. Trump’s virulent combination of ignorance, emotional instability, demagogy, solipsism and vindictiveness would do more than result in a failed presidency; it could very well lead to national catastrophe. The prospect of Donald Trump as commander in chief should send a chill down the spine of every American."
"Mr. Trump’s virulent combination of ignorance, emotional instability, demagogy, solipsism and vindictiveness would do more than result in a failed presidency; it could very well lead to national catastrophe. The prospect of Donald Trump as commander in chief should send a chill down the spine of every American."
Don't like the question? Attack "political correctness"!
This is Donald Trump’s biggest fiction — and the engine of his insane rage machine (Paul Rosenberg) from Salon
"That interchange—using the charge of “political correctness” to silence any further questioning or debate, particularly in the face of specific allegations—sums up the whole GOP presidential campaign in a nutshell, although as Dana Milbank recently noted, GOP candidates have since invoked “political correctness” when speaking about (or running away from) every issue under the sun."
"That interchange—using the charge of “political correctness” to silence any further questioning or debate, particularly in the face of specific allegations—sums up the whole GOP presidential campaign in a nutshell, although as Dana Milbank recently noted, GOP candidates have since invoked “political correctness” when speaking about (or running away from) every issue under the sun."
Why Do Republicans Dislike Jeb Bush So Much? (Jim Newell) from Slate
"He’s not just losing. He is loathed."
"He’s not just losing. He is loathed."
Limbaugh's Open Break with the GOP Establishment
Rush Limbaugh Is Cheating on Conservatism With Donald Trump (Conor Friedersdorf) from the Atlantic
"Without admitting it to himself, more fully than ever before in his long political-talk career, Limbaugh has abandoned conservatism as his lodestar. All else being equal, he still prefers the ideology. But it’s now negotiable. He’d rather have a non-conservative nominee who attacks and is loathed by the Republican establishment than a conservative who is conciliatory and appealing to moderates."
"Without admitting it to himself, more fully than ever before in his long political-talk career, Limbaugh has abandoned conservatism as his lodestar. All else being equal, he still prefers the ideology. But it’s now negotiable. He’d rather have a non-conservative nominee who attacks and is loathed by the Republican establishment than a conservative who is conciliatory and appealing to moderates."
Sunday, January 3, 2016
News Nuggets 1544
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| DAYLEE PICTURE: A woman in the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. From National Geographic. |
TODAY's BIG NUGGET: 2015: A Losing Season for ISIS?
Mapped: The Islamic State Isn’t Doing as Well as You Think from Foreign Policy Magazine
"The Islamic State began 2015 in control of vast swaths of Syria and Iraq and at one point this summer controlled three of Iraq’s biggest cities. The terrorist group ends the year in far worse shape, with a U.S.-led air campaign hammering its fighters from the skies while Iraqi soldiers, Iranian paramilitary operatives, Shiite militias, Syrian rebels, and Kurdish Peshmerga battle them on the ground.
"The Islamic State began 2015 in control of vast swaths of Syria and Iraq and at one point this summer controlled three of Iraq’s biggest cities. The terrorist group ends the year in far worse shape, with a U.S.-led air campaign hammering its fighters from the skies while Iraqi soldiers, Iranian paramilitary operatives, Shiite militias, Syrian rebels, and Kurdish Peshmerga battle them on the ground.
The GOP's Muscular Mantra
The GOP Plan to Bring Back a Unipolar World from Foreign Policy Magazine
"Republicans seems to think that by banging the drum for increased defense spending, they can restore America's greatness. They're wrong. ... Policies and public expenditures in pursuit of this muscular mantra would not only fail, but would also systematically weaken U.S. leadership and influence."
"Republicans seems to think that by banging the drum for increased defense spending, they can restore America's greatness. They're wrong. ... Policies and public expenditures in pursuit of this muscular mantra would not only fail, but would also systematically weaken U.S. leadership and influence."
The Rich and the Gov't: Keeping Their Fortunes Safe from Democracy
For the Wealthiest, a Private Tax System That Saves Them Billions from the New York Times
"With inequality at its highest levels in nearly a century and public debate rising over whether the government should respond to it through higher taxes on the wealthy, the very richest Americans have financed a sophisticated and astonishingly effective apparatus for shielding their fortunes. Some call it the “income defense industry,” consisting of a high-priced phalanx of lawyers, estate planners, lobbyists and anti-tax activists who exploit and defend a dizzying array of tax maneuvers, virtually none of them available to taxpayers of more modest means."
"With inequality at its highest levels in nearly a century and public debate rising over whether the government should respond to it through higher taxes on the wealthy, the very richest Americans have financed a sophisticated and astonishingly effective apparatus for shielding their fortunes. Some call it the “income defense industry,” consisting of a high-priced phalanx of lawyers, estate planners, lobbyists and anti-tax activists who exploit and defend a dizzying array of tax maneuvers, virtually none of them available to taxpayers of more modest means."
China: A Return to the Ranks of Weak States?
Will 2016 Bring the Collapse of China’s Economy? (Gordon Chang) from the National Interest
"The severity of China’s economic problems—and the inability to implement long-term solutions—mean almost all geopolitical assumptions about tomorrow are wrong. Virtually everyone today sees China as a major power in the future. Yet the country’s extraordinary economic difficulties will result in a collapse or a long-term decline, and either outcome suggests China will return to the ranks of weak states. As an initial matter, China’s current situation is far worse than the official National Bureau of Statistics reports."
Economic collapse? Answer: Probably.
"The severity of China’s economic problems—and the inability to implement long-term solutions—mean almost all geopolitical assumptions about tomorrow are wrong. Virtually everyone today sees China as a major power in the future. Yet the country’s extraordinary economic difficulties will result in a collapse or a long-term decline, and either outcome suggests China will return to the ranks of weak states. As an initial matter, China’s current situation is far worse than the official National Bureau of Statistics reports."
Economic collapse? Answer: Probably.
Russia's Year of Economic Nightmares
8 Shades of Crisis (Peter Hobson) from the Moscow Times [of Russia in English]
"The current shock engulfing Russia is even more serious, Deputy Finance Minister Maxim Oreshkin told a conference hosted by Vedomosti, a business newspaper, in December. Russia's isolation from the world economy due to sanctions imposed over Moscow's actions in Ukraine last year have worsened the impact of an oil price crash. The Moscow Times looked at eight aspects of the crisis."
"The current shock engulfing Russia is even more serious, Deputy Finance Minister Maxim Oreshkin told a conference hosted by Vedomosti, a business newspaper, in December. Russia's isolation from the world economy due to sanctions imposed over Moscow's actions in Ukraine last year have worsened the impact of an oil price crash. The Moscow Times looked at eight aspects of the crisis."
Obamacare CONTINUES to work as intended
Obamacare supporters don't like talking about it — but the individual mandate is working (Sarah Kliff) from Vox
"The individual mandate is among Obamacare's most hated provisions. About two in three of Americans think the requirement to buy health insurance is a bad idea. But recent enrollment data shows that the mandate is working. The exact type of people the requirement was meant to target — young, healthy adults who might forgo coverage were it not for a government fine — signed up in record numbers this year."
"The individual mandate is among Obamacare's most hated provisions. About two in three of Americans think the requirement to buy health insurance is a bad idea. But recent enrollment data shows that the mandate is working. The exact type of people the requirement was meant to target — young, healthy adults who might forgo coverage were it not for a government fine — signed up in record numbers this year."
Ban on Crude-Oil Exports: A deal that will speed up the shift from fossil fuels more than the global climate deal
How Big Oil and Nancy Pelosi Defeated the House Freedom Caucus (Ryan Lizza) from the New Yorker
"The most significant policy change in the legislation is an end to the forty-year ban on American crude-oil exports, which Democrats agreed to in return for an extension of solar- and wind-energy-industry tax credits. The extension of the tax credits is an enormous victory for Democrats, perhaps the most significant green-energy achievement of the Obama era. Bloomberg Business, citing one industry analyst, says, “the deal will speed up the shift from fossil fuels more than the global climate deal struck this month in Paris and more than Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan that regulates coal plants.”"
"The most significant policy change in the legislation is an end to the forty-year ban on American crude-oil exports, which Democrats agreed to in return for an extension of solar- and wind-energy-industry tax credits. The extension of the tax credits is an enormous victory for Democrats, perhaps the most significant green-energy achievement of the Obama era. Bloomberg Business, citing one industry analyst, says, “the deal will speed up the shift from fossil fuels more than the global climate deal struck this month in Paris and more than Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan that regulates coal plants.”"
Strong Headwinds Against the GOP in 2016
Republicans come up short in search for diverse voters in 2016 election from Reuters
"The percentage of Republicans among those likely to vote in the Nov. 8, 2016, election lags Democrats by 9 percentage points, compared with a 6-point deficit in the year leading up to Obama’s 2012 victory, according to an analysis of Reuters/Ipsos polling data from 2012 and 2015. ... The numbers suggest the Republican field, led by billionaire businessman Donald Trump, faces strong headwinds against the Democrats, led by former secretary of state Hillary Clinton."
"The percentage of Republicans among those likely to vote in the Nov. 8, 2016, election lags Democrats by 9 percentage points, compared with a 6-point deficit in the year leading up to Obama’s 2012 victory, according to an analysis of Reuters/Ipsos polling data from 2012 and 2015. ... The numbers suggest the Republican field, led by billionaire businessman Donald Trump, faces strong headwinds against the Democrats, led by former secretary of state Hillary Clinton."
White Rage and the Death of Middle America
America’s self-destructive whites (Fareed Zakaria) from the Washington Post
"Why is Middle America killing itself? The fact itself is probably the most important social science finding in years. It is already reshaping American politics. The Post’s Jeff Guo notes that the people who make up this cohort are “largely responsible for Donald Trump’s lead in the race for the Republican nomination for president.” The key question is why, and exploring it provides answers that suggest that the rage dominating U.S. politics will only get worse."
"Why is Middle America killing itself? The fact itself is probably the most important social science finding in years. It is already reshaping American politics. The Post’s Jeff Guo notes that the people who make up this cohort are “largely responsible for Donald Trump’s lead in the race for the Republican nomination for president.” The key question is why, and exploring it provides answers that suggest that the rage dominating U.S. politics will only get worse."
GOP Digging a Deep Hole for Itself in the Latino Community
Trump Has Built A Wall Between The Republican Party And Latinos (David Lightman) from the National Memo
"Today, though, there’s Trump and a party that’s seen as too eager to kick immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally out of the country. “We’re digging a very, very deep hole,” said Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev."
"Today, though, there’s Trump and a party that’s seen as too eager to kick immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally out of the country. “We’re digging a very, very deep hole,” said Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev."
ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN NUGGET!!
A new Colossus of Rhodes... five times bigger than before! 500ft statue to be built at port's entrance as Greece aims to reclaim some of its former glory following financial meltdown from the Daily Mail [of the UK]
"Next statue will be five times taller than the original one which stood at 98ft. Will be built of concrete and steel and clad in bronze-coloured solar panels. Statue will act as lighthouse seen from 35 miles away on the Turkish coast. Expected to generate annual income of £26 million for struggling country."
"Next statue will be five times taller than the original one which stood at 98ft. Will be built of concrete and steel and clad in bronze-coloured solar panels. Statue will act as lighthouse seen from 35 miles away on the Turkish coast. Expected to generate annual income of £26 million for struggling country."
MYSTERIOUS PLACES NUGGET!
Inside the hauntingly beautiful abandoned places that are being reclaimed by nature from the Daily Mail [of the UK]
"The chilling Nara Dreamland was built in 1961 as Japan's answer to Disneyland, but now lies decaying and forgotten. In Berlin, a hospital that was used to treat Adolf Hitler still contains items like patient chairs and equipment. In China's Zhejiang province, time stands still in a village on Shengshan Island with tangled plants enveloping it."
"The chilling Nara Dreamland was built in 1961 as Japan's answer to Disneyland, but now lies decaying and forgotten. In Berlin, a hospital that was used to treat Adolf Hitler still contains items like patient chairs and equipment. In China's Zhejiang province, time stands still in a village on Shengshan Island with tangled plants enveloping it."
Saturday, December 26, 2015
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: Obama's Climate Deal
The Paris Climate Deal Is President Obama’s Biggest Accomplishment (Jonathan Chait) from New York Magazine
"The pact is a triumph of international diplomacy shared by diplomats across the planet. It also represents the culmination of a patient strategy by the Obama administration that unfolded over years, and which even many sympathetic journalists long dismissed as fanciful. Obama’s climate agenda has lurked quietly on the recesses of the American imagination for most of his presidency. It is also probably the administration’s most important accomplishment."
"The pact is a triumph of international diplomacy shared by diplomats across the planet. It also represents the culmination of a patient strategy by the Obama administration that unfolded over years, and which even many sympathetic journalists long dismissed as fanciful. Obama’s climate agenda has lurked quietly on the recesses of the American imagination for most of his presidency. It is also probably the administration’s most important accomplishment."
Obama's Oncoming Liberal Era
Why America Is Moving Left (Peter Beinart) from the Atlantic
"Republicans may have a lock on Congress and the nation’s statehouses—and could well win the presidency—but the liberal era ushered in by Barack Obama is only just beginning."
"Republicans may have a lock on Congress and the nation’s statehouses—and could well win the presidency—but the liberal era ushered in by Barack Obama is only just beginning."
America's Energy and Power Equation
LNG Exports the Most Powerful Demonstration of US Geopolitics in Decades from Real Clear Energy
"In just a few weeks a major step change in the world energy order will take place and the main response from many will likely be either a yawn or a shoulder shrug. Such reactions are understandable, given how the US public’s attention is now being bombarded with other news, both foreign and domestic. It would be a mistake, however, to underestimate how important the long-term benefits of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are to the US economy, and how powerful a weapon of economic diplomacy it may become in future decades."
"In just a few weeks a major step change in the world energy order will take place and the main response from many will likely be either a yawn or a shoulder shrug. Such reactions are understandable, given how the US public’s attention is now being bombarded with other news, both foreign and domestic. It would be a mistake, however, to underestimate how important the long-term benefits of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are to the US economy, and how powerful a weapon of economic diplomacy it may become in future decades."
No Light at the End of Putin's Tunnel
Putin’s New Prudence (Anders Aslund) from Project Syndicate
"Russia’s economy was stagnating even before the bottom fell out of global oil prices, and most experts expect energy prices to remain low for years. This confronts Putin with a challenge he has never faced: leading Russia at a time when there is no light visible at the end of the tunnel."
"Russia’s economy was stagnating even before the bottom fell out of global oil prices, and most experts expect energy prices to remain low for years. This confronts Putin with a challenge he has never faced: leading Russia at a time when there is no light visible at the end of the tunnel."
The Forces Coalescing Against China
The Forces Awakening Against an Antagonistic China from the National Interest
" In an effort to augment its sovereignty claims over what it considers as its national “blue soil,” China has inadvertently encouraged a growing number of nations to coalesce against it."
" In an effort to augment its sovereignty claims over what it considers as its national “blue soil,” China has inadvertently encouraged a growing number of nations to coalesce against it."
The Unworkability of Anti-Obamacare Arguments
Sorry, Conservatives, Obamacare Is Still Working (Jonathan Chait) from New York Magazine
"To bolster this case, Douthat makes four points against the law. Here they are in order. Individually, and collectively, they present a wildly misleading picture of a law that continues to work very well."
"To bolster this case, Douthat makes four points against the law. Here they are in order. Individually, and collectively, they present a wildly misleading picture of a law that continues to work very well."
Proudly American... and Muslim
I am a Muslim. But Trump’s views appall me because I am an American (Fareed Zakaria) from the Washington Post
"I think of myself first and foremost as an American. I’m proud of that identity because as an immigrant, it came to me through deep conviction and hard work, not the accident of birth. I also think of myself as a husband, father, guy from India, journalist, New Yorker and (on my good days) an intellectual. But in today’s political climate, I must embrace another identity. I am a Muslim."
"I think of myself first and foremost as an American. I’m proud of that identity because as an immigrant, it came to me through deep conviction and hard work, not the accident of birth. I also think of myself as a husband, father, guy from India, journalist, New Yorker and (on my good days) an intellectual. But in today’s political climate, I must embrace another identity. I am a Muslim."
Nominating Trump -- What's the Impact on the GOP for 2020?
If Trump wins the nomination, prepare for the end of the conservative party (George Will) from the Washington Post
"... this avatar of unfettered government and executive authoritarianism has mesmerized a large portion of Republicans for six months. The larger portion should understand this: One hundred and four years of history is in the balance. If Trump is the Republican nominee in 2016, there might not be a conservative party in 2020 either."
"... this avatar of unfettered government and executive authoritarianism has mesmerized a large portion of Republicans for six months. The larger portion should understand this: One hundred and four years of history is in the balance. If Trump is the Republican nominee in 2016, there might not be a conservative party in 2020 either."
Cruz: Better Than Trump?
Ted Cruz is even less electable than Donald Trump (Matthew Yglesies) from Vox
"People know that Cruz is extreme. But few people fully recognize exactly how unpopular the Cruz policy agenda is likely to be once it is exposed to the light of day."
"People know that Cruz is extreme. But few people fully recognize exactly how unpopular the Cruz policy agenda is likely to be once it is exposed to the light of day."
Why Cruz is the perfect candidate for the right-wing’s alternative reality
The fantasy world of Sen. Ted Cruz (Elias Isquith) from Salon
"What Cruz is offering to Republican voters, in effect, is permanent residency in the movement’s preferred alternative reality. For the first time perhaps ever, he is offering them the chance to vote for a viable primary candidate who not only pays attention to the Limbaughs and Hannitys, but lives in the fantasy with them. And because GOP elites are increasingly terrified that Donald Trump really will win the nomination, Ted Cruz, the Alternative Reality Candidate, is starting to look to them like the lesser evil... Is it any wonder, then, that Cruz is rising? Most of his competitors are offering GOP voters a strong chance to defeat Hillary Clinton. Cruz, on the other hand, is offering to let them stay in a make-believe world they vastly prefer to our own."
"What Cruz is offering to Republican voters, in effect, is permanent residency in the movement’s preferred alternative reality. For the first time perhaps ever, he is offering them the chance to vote for a viable primary candidate who not only pays attention to the Limbaughs and Hannitys, but lives in the fantasy with them. And because GOP elites are increasingly terrified that Donald Trump really will win the nomination, Ted Cruz, the Alternative Reality Candidate, is starting to look to them like the lesser evil... Is it any wonder, then, that Cruz is rising? Most of his competitors are offering GOP voters a strong chance to defeat Hillary Clinton. Cruz, on the other hand, is offering to let them stay in a make-believe world they vastly prefer to our own."
The Perils of Radical Genie-ism
Which country do Republicans want to bomb next? Hint: It's just a magic carpet ride away from Daily Kos
"While typical liberals are too politically correct to call out radical genie-ism for what it is, this is a serious matter. Per Eric Peoples, it won’t be long before we have to set up a no fly(ing carpet) zone. "
"While typical liberals are too politically correct to call out radical genie-ism for what it is, this is a serious matter. Per Eric Peoples, it won’t be long before we have to set up a no fly(ing carpet) zone. "
R.I.P., GOP
Party of old, disillusioned white people is dying a slow death (Sean Illing) from Salon
"Changing Demographics will be the death knell for the Republican Party — even though it may take White House in '16."
"Changing Demographics will be the death knell for the Republican Party — even though it may take White House in '16."
Ryan: Barely Two Minutes in Office and Already Under Fire
Fury of the Right Falls on Ryan (Scott Wong) from The Hill
"Outside the Beltway, the right is livid with new Speaker Paul Ryan’s trillion-dollar spending deal with Democrats. Conservative pundit Ann Coulter says Ryan, just seven weeks on the job, is ripe for a primary challenge. “Paul Ryan Betrays America,” blared a headline on the conservative site Breibart.com. And Twitter is littered with references to the Wisconsin Republican’s new “Muslim beard.”""
So much for any prospects of a brokered convention where the GOP turns to Ryan for their salvation.
"Outside the Beltway, the right is livid with new Speaker Paul Ryan’s trillion-dollar spending deal with Democrats. Conservative pundit Ann Coulter says Ryan, just seven weeks on the job, is ripe for a primary challenge. “Paul Ryan Betrays America,” blared a headline on the conservative site Breibart.com. And Twitter is littered with references to the Wisconsin Republican’s new “Muslim beard.”""
So much for any prospects of a brokered convention where the GOP turns to Ryan for their salvation.
Rubio: Is He For Real!?
Why Isn’t Marco Rubio Winning? 5 Theories (Jonathan Chait) from New York Magazine
"If Republican scientists were revealed to have built a cyborg designed to win the presidency, everybody would immediately suspect it was Rubio. His failure to draw first-rank polling numbers has become an important campaign mystery. Theory No. 1: He’s too lazy. ..."
"If Republican scientists were revealed to have built a cyborg designed to win the presidency, everybody would immediately suspect it was Rubio. His failure to draw first-rank polling numbers has become an important campaign mystery. Theory No. 1: He’s too lazy. ..."
INTERESTING BUILDING NUGGET!!
Slalom House: Ski slope could be built on top of apartment block from CNN
"It's not quite a cozy chalet ensconced in the Swiss Alps' snow-peaked caps, but for residents of Kazakhstan's capital Astana the Slalom House residential project -- an eye-catching new winter sports facility -- could bring the slopes to their front door."
"It's not quite a cozy chalet ensconced in the Swiss Alps' snow-peaked caps, but for residents of Kazakhstan's capital Astana the Slalom House residential project -- an eye-catching new winter sports facility -- could bring the slopes to their front door."
DOG NUGGET!
10 Ways Your Dog Shows Just How Much They Care from Discover
"We know that we love our dogs and so do our friends and family. But do they love us back?"
"We know that we love our dogs and so do our friends and family. But do they love us back?"
Sunday, December 13, 2015
News Nuggets 1542
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| DAYLEE PICTURE: A climber in Iceland's Gljufrabuil Canyon. From National Geographic. |
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: Obama's Critics Are Right: Obama Has Pretty Much Gotten His Way All Along!
Obama: Chessmaster, not Pawn (James Fallows) from the Atlantic
"Many of the president’s supporters fear that he hasn’t really known what he is doing. Many of his critics worry that he is all-too-skillful at attaining his ends. There’s increasing evidence that the critics may be right."
"Many of the president’s supporters fear that he hasn’t really known what he is doing. Many of his critics worry that he is all-too-skillful at attaining his ends. There’s increasing evidence that the critics may be right."
Obama's Deal-making Skills Shine Through
How Obama’s Undercover Statecraft Secured Three Major Accords (Mark Lander) of the New York Times
"Three of President Obama’s top diplomatic achievements — the reopening of ties with Cuba, announced this week; the interim nuclear agreement with Iran; and the climate-change pact with China — resulted from secret negotiations. Some were conducted in exotic locales like the Vatican and the Arab sultanate of Oman; others in less exotic places like Boston. Not since Henry Kissinger’s secret trip to China in 1971 has a president embraced undercover diplomacy with the enthusiasm of Mr. Obama. For an administration that likes to promote its transparency, this White House has concluded that some deals are best pursued with all the openness of a drone strike against distant terrorists."
"Three of President Obama’s top diplomatic achievements — the reopening of ties with Cuba, announced this week; the interim nuclear agreement with Iran; and the climate-change pact with China — resulted from secret negotiations. Some were conducted in exotic locales like the Vatican and the Arab sultanate of Oman; others in less exotic places like Boston. Not since Henry Kissinger’s secret trip to China in 1971 has a president embraced undercover diplomacy with the enthusiasm of Mr. Obama. For an administration that likes to promote its transparency, this White House has concluded that some deals are best pursued with all the openness of a drone strike against distant terrorists."
Russia's Behavior Keeps NATO Expanding
In the Balkans, NATO has outmuscled Russia from the Economist [of London]
"Montenegro’s accession fills in one of the few remaining gaps in the Western alliance."
"Montenegro’s accession fills in one of the few remaining gaps in the Western alliance."
The BRICS All Coming on Hard Times
No, the BRICs Aren’t Overtaking America from the Daily Beast
"Despite 15 years of hype, developing countries still have a long way to go to claim the 21st century as theirs."
"Despite 15 years of hype, developing countries still have a long way to go to claim the 21st century as theirs."
Russia's Middle-East Ally Heading for the Exit?
Iran Retreating From Syria Fight (Eli Lake) from Bloomberg View
"... they are seeing significant numbers of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps troops retreat from the Syrian combat zone in recent weeks, following the deaths and wounding of some of top officers in a campaign to retake Idlib Province and other areas lost this year to opposition forces supported by the West and Gulf Arab States. As a result, the Russian-initiated offensive that was launched in September seems to be losing an important ally."
"... they are seeing significant numbers of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps troops retreat from the Syrian combat zone in recent weeks, following the deaths and wounding of some of top officers in a campaign to retake Idlib Province and other areas lost this year to opposition forces supported by the West and Gulf Arab States. As a result, the Russian-initiated offensive that was launched in September seems to be losing an important ally."
The Millennials' Shift Away from Faith
Millennials and religion: The great disconnect from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"The generation’s shift away from faith raises questions about values and the business of church."
More bad news long term for the GOP's base.
"The generation’s shift away from faith raises questions about values and the business of church."
More bad news long term for the GOP's base.
The Extremists' Strategy: Destroy the Republic to Save it?
The GOP on the Eve of Destruction (Bill Moyers and Michael Winship) from Billmoyers.com
"... go back to the slave-holding Democrats of the 1840s and 50s who were prepared to destroy the Union if necessary to protect and expand the brutal system of human slavery on which their economy and way of life were built. The extremism and polarization engendered made it impossible for politics peacefully to resolve the moral dilemma facing our country. If the Republicans – and the first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln — had not championed and fought to preserve the Union and its government, the United States would have been no more. Now it is the Republicans who are willing to wreck the country to maintain the gross inequality that divides us – inequality which rewards the party leaders and their donors, just as slavery rewarded white supremacists. They would tear the Republic apart, rip to pieces its already fragile social compact, and reap the whirlwind of a failed experiment in self-government."
"... go back to the slave-holding Democrats of the 1840s and 50s who were prepared to destroy the Union if necessary to protect and expand the brutal system of human slavery on which their economy and way of life were built. The extremism and polarization engendered made it impossible for politics peacefully to resolve the moral dilemma facing our country. If the Republicans – and the first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln — had not championed and fought to preserve the Union and its government, the United States would have been no more. Now it is the Republicans who are willing to wreck the country to maintain the gross inequality that divides us – inequality which rewards the party leaders and their donors, just as slavery rewarded white supremacists. They would tear the Republic apart, rip to pieces its already fragile social compact, and reap the whirlwind of a failed experiment in self-government."
Movement Conservatism at a Crossroads
A Trump nomination would be the end of the GOP as we know it (Matthew Continetti) from the Washington Free Beacon
"Whether Trump wins or loses a general election against Hillary Clinton is less important in this analysis than the effect his nomination would have on the composition and philosophy of the Republican Party. That effect would be profound. Political parties are not static. They are born, they grow and change, they shrink and die. ... Homegrown terrorism, demographic panic, racial tension, income stagnation, and Trump’s persona may catalyze a political realignment along the lines we have seen before in our politics and see currently in Europe’s. Have conservatives and Republicans thought through what would happen next? What choices we might have to make? Or are we too afraid to acknowledge the possibility that the movement and party to which we belong is no longer our own?"
"Whether Trump wins or loses a general election against Hillary Clinton is less important in this analysis than the effect his nomination would have on the composition and philosophy of the Republican Party. That effect would be profound. Political parties are not static. They are born, they grow and change, they shrink and die. ... Homegrown terrorism, demographic panic, racial tension, income stagnation, and Trump’s persona may catalyze a political realignment along the lines we have seen before in our politics and see currently in Europe’s. Have conservatives and Republicans thought through what would happen next? What choices we might have to make? Or are we too afraid to acknowledge the possibility that the movement and party to which we belong is no longer our own?"
Win or Lose, Trump Recastes the Primaries and the Republican Party Itself
Republicans 2016: The Presidential Shake-Up Continues (Larry J. Sabato) from Larry Sabato's Crystal Ball
"There is remarkable unanimity behind the scenes that a Trump-led GOP would not just forfeit the White House but produce a Democratic U.S. Senate and see substantial Republican losses in the U.S. House as well. This is heresy to Trump’s devoted followers, but we’re inclined to believe that experienced Republicans who’ve actually won elections have solid instincts in these matters. The Trump effect is now probably long-term, meaning that even if he falls by the wayside in the nomination contest, he will continue to be a factor. Maybe he will run as an independent. Maybe he will make life difficult for the eventual GOP nominee from his permanent headquarters on Twitter. Or maybe it’s simply the accumulation of his offensive statements on videotape that will be used by Democrats to taint the fall Republican ticket."
"There is remarkable unanimity behind the scenes that a Trump-led GOP would not just forfeit the White House but produce a Democratic U.S. Senate and see substantial Republican losses in the U.S. House as well. This is heresy to Trump’s devoted followers, but we’re inclined to believe that experienced Republicans who’ve actually won elections have solid instincts in these matters. The Trump effect is now probably long-term, meaning that even if he falls by the wayside in the nomination contest, he will continue to be a factor. Maybe he will run as an independent. Maybe he will make life difficult for the eventual GOP nominee from his permanent headquarters on Twitter. Or maybe it’s simply the accumulation of his offensive statements on videotape that will be used by Democrats to taint the fall Republican ticket."
MUST-SEE POLITICAL VIDEO NUGGET
I am a Trump supporter: Voters speak out (VIDEO) from CNN
"Citing the "Republican Party's impotence" and marveling at Trump's "unvarnished" persona, nine Trump supporters shed light on what's behind their allegiance to Trump in an extended interview on "New Day" with CNN's Alisyn Camerota Thursday."
The Washington Post has a similar focus group HERE. Their comments are quite revealing!!
"Citing the "Republican Party's impotence" and marveling at Trump's "unvarnished" persona, nine Trump supporters shed light on what's behind their allegiance to Trump in an extended interview on "New Day" with CNN's Alisyn Camerota Thursday."
The Washington Post has a similar focus group HERE. Their comments are quite revealing!!
Trump and Fascism
I asked 5 fascism experts whether Donald Trump is a fascist. Here's what they said (Dylan Matthews) from Vox
"Far-right populism is much more common, and much more dangerous, than neo-fascism."
"Far-right populism is much more common, and much more dangerous, than neo-fascism."
Trump ... and the Coming Crack Up of the Conservative Movement?
Why conservative pundits hate Donald Trump (Damon Linker) from The Week
"... if Trump ends up as the nominee next summer. So what would the conservative pundits do? Most, I think, would choose to go into exile, withdrawing their support, at least temporarily, from the Republican Party. And that would be an event every bit as significant as the split in the Republican electorate that a Trump candidacy would reflect and intensify. It would mark nothing less than the crack-up of the conservative movement as it's been constituted for the past 35 years."
"... if Trump ends up as the nominee next summer. So what would the conservative pundits do? Most, I think, would choose to go into exile, withdrawing their support, at least temporarily, from the Republican Party. And that would be an event every bit as significant as the split in the Republican electorate that a Trump candidacy would reflect and intensify. It would mark nothing less than the crack-up of the conservative movement as it's been constituted for the past 35 years."
The Republican Primaries: Just Another Insurgency?
The Republican Civil War (Jacob Heilbrunn) from the National Interest
"The GOP’s current identity crisis is the product of a long tradition of conservative insurgency."
"The GOP’s current identity crisis is the product of a long tradition of conservative insurgency."
Trump: A One-Man Demolition Crew
The Man Who Would Destroy the Republican Party (Dov Zakheim) from Foreign Policy Magazine
"Donald Trump is destroying the Republican Party — something the Democratic political leadership and mainstream party, with the exception of its radical fringe, have never attempted and have, of course, never accomplished. Trump, with the support of a highly polarized, liberal media that has consistently paid him inordinate attention and provided him with an outsized platform, is a one-man demolition crew. He is calling forth the worst elements of the GOP base to the detriment of the party’s domestic and international image. It is almost as if Trump were on the Democrats’ payroll."
"Donald Trump is destroying the Republican Party — something the Democratic political leadership and mainstream party, with the exception of its radical fringe, have never attempted and have, of course, never accomplished. Trump, with the support of a highly polarized, liberal media that has consistently paid him inordinate attention and provided him with an outsized platform, is a one-man demolition crew. He is calling forth the worst elements of the GOP base to the detriment of the party’s domestic and international image. It is almost as if Trump were on the Democrats’ payroll."
Trump the Fascist. Which Fascist?
Know Your Fascist Dictators (Josh Marshall) from Talking Points Memo
"As long as we're on to the subject of fascist dictators and Donald Trump is now being compared to Adolf Hitler in major urban newspapers, I thought I should speak up on behalf of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini as the true proto-Trump. Mussolini wasn't just a fascist dictator. He was the fascist dictator."
"As long as we're on to the subject of fascist dictators and Donald Trump is now being compared to Adolf Hitler in major urban newspapers, I thought I should speak up on behalf of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini as the true proto-Trump. Mussolini wasn't just a fascist dictator. He was the fascist dictator."
The Donald Loves Polls -- Do Polls Have a Love for Him?
The Polls May Be Underestimating Trump's Support (Henry Olsen) from the Atlantic
"Data suggests the appeal of anti-immigrant policies to working-class voters is much deeper than most American elites want to believe. And because Trump draws the bulk of his support from less-educated, working- and middle-class voters, he may be positioned to do even better still—for now. Polling data from Europe shows that parties with similar voter profiles to Trump’s consistently do better in both online polls and at the ballot box than in live-interview polling. And currently Trump is far ahead online."
"Data suggests the appeal of anti-immigrant policies to working-class voters is much deeper than most American elites want to believe. And because Trump draws the bulk of his support from less-educated, working- and middle-class voters, he may be positioned to do even better still—for now. Polling data from Europe shows that parties with similar voter profiles to Trump’s consistently do better in both online polls and at the ballot box than in live-interview polling. And currently Trump is far ahead online."
Rubio's Secret Weapon: A Weak Ground Game?!
Rubio’s Weak Campaign Organization (Daniel Larison) from the American Conservative
"The weakness of Rubio’s campaign organization is one of several reasons why he isn’t likely to do all that well once the voting begins. It is understandable that he hasn’t been able to build an organization in the early states because of his relatively low fundraising, but that itself shows how limited his support has been so far. The odd thing is that Rubio’s lack of a ground game seems to be a deliberate gamble that it isn’t necessary:"
"The weakness of Rubio’s campaign organization is one of several reasons why he isn’t likely to do all that well once the voting begins. It is understandable that he hasn’t been able to build an organization in the early states because of his relatively low fundraising, but that itself shows how limited his support has been so far. The odd thing is that Rubio’s lack of a ground game seems to be a deliberate gamble that it isn’t necessary:"
Why The GOP Can't Derail Donald Trump
Nothing's Gonna Stop Him Now from Talking Points Memo
"With just two months until the Iowa caucuses, it may be time to recognize the reality that the myth has been obscuring: No strategic intervention is going to stop Trump now. "If anyone is going to kill Trump, it is Trump,""
"With just two months until the Iowa caucuses, it may be time to recognize the reality that the myth has been obscuring: No strategic intervention is going to stop Trump now. "If anyone is going to kill Trump, it is Trump,""
With Trump Comes the Down Ballot Blues
The Trump Effect Begins to Hit Congress (Jonathan Bernstein) from Bloomberg View
"The upshot of all this is that Republican politicians and all those who care about continuing Republican control of Congress have strong incentives to ramp up their efforts to defeat Trump. Now."
"The upshot of all this is that Republican politicians and all those who care about continuing Republican control of Congress have strong incentives to ramp up their efforts to defeat Trump. Now."
Another Benghazi Dud from Fox News
They have no shame: It’s confirmed, Fox News lied egregiously (again) in its latest Benghazi “bombshell” (Simon Maloy) from Salon
"Newly released document confirms that Fox News (with an assist from the GOP) flagrantly lied about Benghazi."
"Newly released document confirms that Fox News (with an assist from the GOP) flagrantly lied about Benghazi."
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
News Nuggets 1541
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| DAYLEE PICTURE: Turbines on the Panachaiko mountain range near Patras, Greece. From National Geographic. |
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: What Obama ReALLY Thinks About the Threat of ISIS
How Obama Thinks About Terrorism (Peter Beinart) from the Atlantic
"At the core of Barack Obama’s terrorism speech on Sunday night lay a contradiction. He gave the address to convince an increasingly fearful nation that he takes the terrorist threat seriously. But he doesn’t, at least not in the way his political opponents do."
"At the core of Barack Obama’s terrorism speech on Sunday night lay a contradiction. He gave the address to convince an increasingly fearful nation that he takes the terrorist threat seriously. But he doesn’t, at least not in the way his political opponents do."
TODAY'S SECOND BIG NUGGET: The Trump Trap
GOP struggles to escape Trump trap from Politico
"Republicans condemn their poll leader but don't lift pledge to support his nomination, should he win it. ... Trump's latest gambit, far more outlandish than building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border or any others, has ratcheted up the pressure on GOP officials to find a way to protect their party brand before it becomes irrevocably tarnished by a man who could be their nominee. They can't snatch away his campaign cash or limit his media exposure; they can't keep him off ballots. The party brass can’t reason with Trump and can't afford to alienate him to the point that he runs as an independent. And they must swallow the reality that many self-identifying Republicans prefer Trump’s nativism and bombast to their more mainstream, inclusive style of conservatism."
"Republicans condemn their poll leader but don't lift pledge to support his nomination, should he win it. ... Trump's latest gambit, far more outlandish than building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border or any others, has ratcheted up the pressure on GOP officials to find a way to protect their party brand before it becomes irrevocably tarnished by a man who could be their nominee. They can't snatch away his campaign cash or limit his media exposure; they can't keep him off ballots. The party brass can’t reason with Trump and can't afford to alienate him to the point that he runs as an independent. And they must swallow the reality that many self-identifying Republicans prefer Trump’s nativism and bombast to their more mainstream, inclusive style of conservatism."
THANKSGIVING NUGGET!!
Thanksgiving: In A Time Of Malevolence, Renewed Appreciation For Barack Obama (Joe Conason) from the National Memo
"... on the other side of the world, hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees seeking only to save themselves and their children from murder and enslavement know that much of the supposedly civilized world, including many political leaders in this country, is coldly turning them away. That is why I want to express thanks that Barack Obama is president of the United States."
"... on the other side of the world, hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees seeking only to save themselves and their children from murder and enslavement know that much of the supposedly civilized world, including many political leaders in this country, is coldly turning them away. That is why I want to express thanks that Barack Obama is president of the United States."
THANKSGIVING NUGGET #2!!
Arlo Guthrie on ‘Stupid’ Politicians and 50 Years of Thanksgiving Classic ‘Alice’s Restaurant’ from the Daily Beast
"The eccentric folk singer reflects on the five decades since his iconic counterculture song, and tells The Daily Beast what he thinks of the current state of American politics."
"The eccentric folk singer reflects on the five decades since his iconic counterculture song, and tells The Daily Beast what he thinks of the current state of American politics."
ISIS's Script for the US and Europe
Following the Terrorists’ Script (Nicholas Kristof) from the New York Times
"The Islamic State is trying to create a religious divide and an anti-refugee backlash, so that Muslims will feel alienated and turn to extremism. If so, American and European politicians are following the Islamic State’s script. Let’s be careful not to follow that script further and stigmatize all Muslims for ISIS terrorism."
"The Islamic State is trying to create a religious divide and an anti-refugee backlash, so that Muslims will feel alienated and turn to extremism. If so, American and European politicians are following the Islamic State’s script. Let’s be careful not to follow that script further and stigmatize all Muslims for ISIS terrorism."
The Masterson Test in Syria
The Refugees & the New War (Michael Ignatieff) from the New York Review of Books
"Strategists will tell you that it is a mistake to fight the battle your enemies want you to fight. You should impose your strategy on them, not let them impose theirs on you. These lessons apply to the struggle with the leaders of ISIS. We have applied pressure upon them in Syria; they have replied with atrocious attacks in Ankara, Beirut, and now Paris. They are trying to provoke an apocalyptic confrontation with the Crusader infidels. We should deny them this opportunity."
Some of you may recall the great musical, Guys and Dolls. In it, the #1 gambler, Sky Masterson tells a highly relevant story: When he was a lad, his father came and told him: "One day, son, someone will come to you with an unopened deck of cards with the seal still on it, and he will BET YOU that he can make a Jack of Spades leap out of that deck and squirt cider in your ear! Son, you do not accept this bet because sure as you are standing here, you will end up with cider in your ear." ISIS (and their ilk) are betting that with their tactics, the the US will have to send in huge numbers of troops into Syria and Iraq and that their presence there will substantiate ISIS's message, be the best recruiting tool in the work for their cause -- and that they will be able to get the US bogged down in the region for another ten years slowly bleeding to death for no good purpose. Obama (thankfully) perceives that this bet does not pass the Masterson test and, if he has ANY SAY in the matter, the US will not end up with cider in its ear. -- Nuggetsman
"Strategists will tell you that it is a mistake to fight the battle your enemies want you to fight. You should impose your strategy on them, not let them impose theirs on you. These lessons apply to the struggle with the leaders of ISIS. We have applied pressure upon them in Syria; they have replied with atrocious attacks in Ankara, Beirut, and now Paris. They are trying to provoke an apocalyptic confrontation with the Crusader infidels. We should deny them this opportunity."
Some of you may recall the great musical, Guys and Dolls. In it, the #1 gambler, Sky Masterson tells a highly relevant story: When he was a lad, his father came and told him: "One day, son, someone will come to you with an unopened deck of cards with the seal still on it, and he will BET YOU that he can make a Jack of Spades leap out of that deck and squirt cider in your ear! Son, you do not accept this bet because sure as you are standing here, you will end up with cider in your ear." ISIS (and their ilk) are betting that with their tactics, the the US will have to send in huge numbers of troops into Syria and Iraq and that their presence there will substantiate ISIS's message, be the best recruiting tool in the work for their cause -- and that they will be able to get the US bogged down in the region for another ten years slowly bleeding to death for no good purpose. Obama (thankfully) perceives that this bet does not pass the Masterson test and, if he has ANY SAY in the matter, the US will not end up with cider in its ear. -- Nuggetsman
The New "Containment" Policy
Obama Got It Right on the Islamic State from Foreign Policy Magazine
"The United States can't defeat the jihadist group — it can only hope to contain it."
"The United States can't defeat the jihadist group — it can only hope to contain it."
Syrians, Muslims, and Obama's Legacy
Why Obama Is Standing by the Syrian Refugees (Peter Beinart) from the Atlantic
"The president isn’t speaking to his opponents—he’s talking to history."
"The president isn’t speaking to his opponents—he’s talking to history."
Renew or Perish: The Conclusion Among Energy Execs
This Is The Beginning Of The End Of The Fossil Fuel Industry from the Huffington Post
"Oil and coal companies are either going to have to invest in renewables, or perish. ... as world leaders gather in Paris for the month-long COP21 climate talks, the fossil fuel industry's future is in jeopardy. There may be an abundant supply of oil, gas and coal and -- at least for now -- a strong demand for these products, but there is a growing urgency among business leaders and policymakers to stem usage before the effects of global warming worsen dramatically."
"Oil and coal companies are either going to have to invest in renewables, or perish. ... as world leaders gather in Paris for the month-long COP21 climate talks, the fossil fuel industry's future is in jeopardy. There may be an abundant supply of oil, gas and coal and -- at least for now -- a strong demand for these products, but there is a growing urgency among business leaders and policymakers to stem usage before the effects of global warming worsen dramatically."
No Work + Racial Resentment: A Toxic Mix in the White Working Class
What Happened to the White Working Class? (Barbara Ehrenreich) from the Nation
"Downward mobility plus racial resentment is a potent combination with disastrous consequences."
"Downward mobility plus racial resentment is a potent combination with disastrous consequences."
Church Doors Opening Wide ... for Syrian Refugees
Christian groups break with GOP over Syrian refugees from Politico Magazine
"Evangelical Christians, as well as Christians more broadly, are a core group in the Republican electoral base and are among the most passionate advocates for aiding refugees."
"Evangelical Christians, as well as Christians more broadly, are a core group in the Republican electoral base and are among the most passionate advocates for aiding refugees."
The Road to America from a Syrian Refugee Camp
Here's What It Actually Takes For A Syrian Refugee To Enter The U.S. from Talking Points Memo
"Lawmakers and more than half of U.S. governors, mostly Republicans, have raised questions about the vetting process for Syrian refugees being brought to the United States. Some said they were worried that Islamic extremists may try to take advantage of the U.S. refugee process. Here are a few things to know:"
"Lawmakers and more than half of U.S. governors, mostly Republicans, have raised questions about the vetting process for Syrian refugees being brought to the United States. Some said they were worried that Islamic extremists may try to take advantage of the U.S. refugee process. Here are a few things to know:"
Why "Radical Islam"?
The GOP’s Obsession With ‘Radical Islam’ (Brian Beutler) from the New Republic
"Republicans say they call it as they see it—until the tables are turned on them."
"Republicans say they call it as they see it—until the tables are turned on them."
Where Have All the White Christians Gone?
Pew: White Christians no longer a majority from Politico
"According to the latest results from Pew Research Center's Religious Landscape survey published Monday by National Journal's Next America project, just 46 percent of American adults are white Christians, down from 55 percent in 2007."
Thank God!
"According to the latest results from Pew Research Center's Religious Landscape survey published Monday by National Journal's Next America project, just 46 percent of American adults are white Christians, down from 55 percent in 2007."
Thank God!
The Decline of White Advantage?
You Can't Understand American Politics Without Reading This Study (Josh Marshall) from Talking Points Memo
"Let's put this clearly: the stressor at work here is the perceived and real loss of the social and economic advantages of being white."
"Let's put this clearly: the stressor at work here is the perceived and real loss of the social and economic advantages of being white."
What's Missing from the Nightly News? A Remotely Informed Audience
America Is Too Dumb for TV News (Matt Taibbi) from Rolling Stone Magazine
"Trump and others are proving it: we can't handle the truth."
"Trump and others are proving it: we can't handle the truth."
George Wallace Re-dux!
Donald Trump is running the most explicitly racist campaign since 1968 (Paul Waldman) from The Week
"After decades of rhetorical evolution from Republicans on matters of race, Donald Trump is now running the most plainly, explicitly, straightforwardly racist campaign since at least George Wallace's third-party run in 1968, and maybe even Strom Thurmond's in 1948."
"After decades of rhetorical evolution from Republicans on matters of race, Donald Trump is now running the most plainly, explicitly, straightforwardly racist campaign since at least George Wallace's third-party run in 1968, and maybe even Strom Thurmond's in 1948."
The Impact of Right-Wing Rage on GOP Foreign Policy
Terrorism in the Age of Trump (Jonathan Chait) from New York Magazine
"A few days after the attacks, Politico reported the firm convictions of party stalwarts, who confidently asserted, "The reemergence of foreign policy atop the Republican agenda will force voters to reevaluate the outsider candidates, particularly as both [Donald] Trump and [Ben] Carson display a lack of knowledge about national security and the terrorist threat." But that, it turned out, was wishful thinking. Far from sobering up the Republican electorate, the attacks served instead to intensify its state of frothing rage."
"A few days after the attacks, Politico reported the firm convictions of party stalwarts, who confidently asserted, "The reemergence of foreign policy atop the Republican agenda will force voters to reevaluate the outsider candidates, particularly as both [Donald] Trump and [Ben] Carson display a lack of knowledge about national security and the terrorist threat." But that, it turned out, was wishful thinking. Far from sobering up the Republican electorate, the attacks served instead to intensify its state of frothing rage."
A liberal plan to defeat ISIS
Here’s how we avoid Ted Cruz’s religious police state from Salon
"Military intervention is a disaster. Propping up dictators made a mess. Our "allies" play a double game. Now what?"
"Military intervention is a disaster. Propping up dictators made a mess. Our "allies" play a double game. Now what?"
Latinos Migrating ... Out of the US
More Mexicans Leaving Than Coming to the U.S. from the Pew Research Center
"Net Loss of 140,000 from 2009 to 2014; Family Reunification Top Reason for Return."
"Net Loss of 140,000 from 2009 to 2014; Family Reunification Top Reason for Return."
The Party with "Nothing But Fear"
This is the entire GOP plan: Credibility destroyed after Bush debacle, their only strategy is to scare us (Paul Rosenberg) from Salon
"The party of security tanked the economy and unleashed Middle East disaster. Now they have nothing but fear itself."
"The party of security tanked the economy and unleashed Middle East disaster. Now they have nothing but fear itself."
GOP Pundit: A Trump Nomination "a Disaster"
The GOP really might nominate Donald Trump. That would be a disaster (Edward Morrissey) from The Week
"It is time to consider what a Trump nomination would mean for the GOP. Because it really could happen. And if it does, it will be a disaster for conservatives. Make no mistake: Donald Trump would lose to Hillary Clinton."
A right-wing pundit hits a few correct notes here.
"It is time to consider what a Trump nomination would mean for the GOP. Because it really could happen. And if it does, it will be a disaster for conservatives. Make no mistake: Donald Trump would lose to Hillary Clinton."
A right-wing pundit hits a few correct notes here.
What Passes for Media "Neutrality" in 2015
The Real Reason the Media is Rising Up Against Donald Trump (David Roberts) from Vox
"The conceptual space for neutrality has all but disappeared. Media outlets are being forced to take sides, and facing the grim possibility that even if they do, they have no power to affect the outcome. Their twin idols — objectivity and influence — are being exposed as illusions."
"The conceptual space for neutrality has all but disappeared. Media outlets are being forced to take sides, and facing the grim possibility that even if they do, they have no power to affect the outcome. Their twin idols — objectivity and influence — are being exposed as illusions."
The "Strong" Republican Bench?
Anyone but Ted Cruz (Frank Bruni) from the New York Times
"He’s clearly brilliant — maybe smarter than any of the others. He’s a whirlwind of energy. And man oh man can he give a presentation. On any subject, he’s informed, inflamed, precise. But then you talk with people who’ve worked with him at various stages of his career. They dislike him. No, scratch that. They loathe him."
"He’s clearly brilliant — maybe smarter than any of the others. He’s a whirlwind of energy. And man oh man can he give a presentation. On any subject, he’s informed, inflamed, precise. But then you talk with people who’ve worked with him at various stages of his career. They dislike him. No, scratch that. They loathe him."
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