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[because we have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net.]

#21

Off the Record / Re: Brexit and the waning days...

Last post by Tonitrus - October 12, 2025, 10:02:50 PM

This line from John Adams seems apropros...in predicting our weaknesses: 

But should the people of America once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another, and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation while it is practising iniquity and extravagance, and displays in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candor, frankness, and sincerity, while it is rioting in rapine and insolence, this country will be the most miserable habitation in the world; because we have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

#22

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by Admiral Yi - October 12, 2025, 09:56:52 PM

Yes of course.  Between Hamas and Israel, any possible expression of Palestinian civil society in Gaza has been utterly destroyed.  Hamas is all there is left to fill the vacuum. Which of course serves the Likudniks just fine because it ensures Gaza will remain weak and isolated and destitute, as well as feed their hard-line security narrative.  It's a symbiotic relationship.

How did Israel destroy any possible expression of Palestinian civil society?

#23

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by Razgovory - October 12, 2025, 08:54:03 PM

I guess someone should do something about that.  Maybe Canada?  The UK?  South Africa?  Ireland?  I dunno.

#24

Off the Record / Re: Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-2...

Last post by Tamas - October 12, 2025, 08:34:23 PM

Perhaps it was an awkward phrasing of it. What I meant was that I am hoping I am right, and this is why European response has been extremely muted.

#25

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by The Minsky Moment - October 12, 2025, 08:33:42 PM

They are murdering people because their grip on power is weakened. 

They are murdering people because they are murderers who murder people.

They murdered people before they took power in Gaza.  They murdered people after they took power in Gaza.  They murdered people when they were weaker.  They murdered people when they were stronger. They murdered people before the war.  They murdered people during the war.  So yes they will murder people during the cease fire.  And if the war truly ends, they will murder people then too.  And if it doesn't end . . . also, murder.

 And that fact tells you absolutely nothing new of interest about Hamas that we haven't already known for 30 years.

#26

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by Razgovory - October 12, 2025, 08:11:21 PM

So Hamas has come back out of their hidey holes and back to executing dissidents, I guess things are going back to normal.  https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/12/middleeast/gaza-hamas-security-war-intl

Yes of course.  Between Hamas and Israel, any possible expression of Palestinian civil society in Gaza has been utterly destroyed.  Hamas is all there is left to fill the vacuum. Which of course serves the Likudniks just fine because it ensures Gaza will remain weak and isolated and destitute, as well as feed their hard-line security narrative.  It's a symbiotic relationship.

If Hamas was all that was left they wouldn't have to kill anyone.  They are murdering people because their grip on power is weakened.  But rest assured, they will win, and we will discover that the certain Palestinian lives, the ones taken by "The Resistance", do not, in fact, matter.

#27

Off the Record / Re: TV/Movies Megathread

Last post by viper37 - October 12, 2025, 08:08:39 PM

'The Goodfather II' - seen for the first time, Al Pacino rules, no meaningful artistic comments from me.

Is the third one worth a viewing?

Yes, because it's the last one in the series and it brings closure to the series, but it's not as good as the other 2.

There is apparently a final cut of the movie, as seen by Coppola, recently released.  I have not read the reviews.

#28

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by The Minsky Moment - October 12, 2025, 07:59:06 PM

So Hamas has come back out of their hidey holes and back to executing dissidents, I guess things are going back to normal.  https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/12/middleeast/gaza-hamas-security-war-intl

Yes of course.  Between Hamas and Israel, any possible expression of Palestinian civil society in Gaza has been utterly destroyed.  Hamas is all there is left to fill the vacuum. Which of course serves the Likudniks just fine because it ensures Gaza will remain weak and isolated and destitute, as well as feed their hard-line security narrative.  It's a symbiotic relationship.

#29

Off the Record / Re: TV/Movies Megathread

Last post by viper37 - October 12, 2025, 07:39:06 PM

I really don't get who Mr Terrific is or why the Green Lantern is weird. Or the elemental guy or other guys in prison. Or a lot. This messes with my head.

I've seen with my nephew.
8 years old.

Didn't really think about the plot.  He liked it.  I didn't think about anything else for a while, I was pleased at the time.

It's exactly as you said, it's like most Marvels.  Don't overthink it.  I'm not really familiar with DC universe anyway, outside of the main characters, Batman, Aquaman, Superman, Wonderwoman.

#30

Off the Record / Re: Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-2...

Last post by crazy canuck - October 12, 2025, 07:17:36 PM

Do you think that is conceiveable?!

Seriously what kind of a comment is that, if we are only allowed to comment on speculate on things that we have the most detailed understanding of of anyone on the planet, there won't be much left to discuss.

You said you hoped they have data to reach the same conclusion.