Recent posts

#21

Off the Record / Re: STAR TREK

Last post by Grey Fox - Today at 09:19:39 AM

I agree with you both, I left it at that after season 3.

I recently picked up season 4 from the library and I have to tell you. It's so bad. I hate all these characters. I'm still on the fence whether I'm finishing the season or just returning the dvds.

#22

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by Crazy_Ivan80 - Today at 08:58:22 AM

She doesn't look too happy though.

#23

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by bogh - Today at 08:50:39 AM

I basically think the division of power in the US is dead. The executive reigns supreme over the legislative, the judicial is (at least at the Supreme Court level) subservient to the executive and the so-called fourth estate of the media has been defanged entirely.

I fail to see which institution to pin my hopes on. So the US system and society seems to be heading only way - towards an authoritarian, kleptocratic state, riven with violence and no social cohesion.

In that context, handwringing about whether protestors are to rude or acting unruly seems like a massive loss of perspective.

#24

Off the Record / Re: STAR TREK

Last post by Syt - Today at 08:48:42 AM

Yeah, the explanation of the burn was... not great.

#25

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by mongers - Today at 08:18:47 AM

He seems genuinely happy.

....snip....

Oldest Make-A-Wish Foundation recipient? 

I wonder if he's ever had a moment of introspection in his entire 'adult' life?

#26

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by crazy canuck - Today at 08:15:03 AM

It's quite possible that these institutions hold. My point is always that these institutions do not exist in a vacuum, removed from civil society. It will be easier for them to hold if people know that someone out there finds something abhorrent. Institutions normalize: that's what they do, and it's frighteningly easy to get carried by the stream of the routine. They are also slow. It's part of the design: slowness allows for input. It's part of the problem: slowness allows them to be bypassed by fascists, who all celebrate swiftness.

In these circumstances, cowardice is easier when you feel you are alone. Resisting authoritarian impulse within institutions is easier when you know you have people who feel like you do, or whose passion, and slogans, and dedication, can also help you shape your own idea about the right and the wrong, not just the legal and the illegal.

ICE is beyond saving: that institution is much too steeped into authoritarianism. But there will be a time when the army may be asked to fire on a crowd, or to invade Denmark; a time when judges will be told the desired outcome of a trial; a moment when a Member of Congress will be offered a bribe, or cowed into silence or compliance. That time is upon us.

This is why I am concerned when people attempt to delegitimize protests, in the hope that normalcy will prevail on its own, or that they frighten the good people. Waiting for institutions to save you while they are being actively subverted leaves you defenceless when the outcome isn't what you were hoping for - because they you are left with a perverted doubt that, maybe, there's a legitimate reason why it didn't work. The Biden mandate should have imparted that lesson, more than once.

In the same vein of your very good point that one should not normalize behavior, one should also not take note that many of these institutions have already failed.

The FBI, the DOJ, the courts are all examples of their democratic institutions that have failed in the United States.

In the case of the courts, not everywhere, but at the federal level, the rulings that have been made are astounding and shocking.  It's just that the degree of failure is wrapped up legally and so not easily accessible nor understandable by the general public, even if very well informed on other issues.

Part of the reason for that is the way in which news media has been degraded.  Another pillar of the problem, democracy.

#27

Off the Record / Re: What does a TRUMP presiden...

Last post by Legbiter - Today at 07:52:09 AM

He seems genuinely happy.



Oldest Make-A-Wish Foundation recipient? 

#28

Off the Record / Re: STAR TREK

Last post by HVC - Today at 07:25:06 AM

Started watching, and it looks visually beautiful at least.  They mentioned the burn and since I didn't (couldn't) finish discovery had to look it up. God damn that's the stupidest thing I ever read. Dilithium stopped working because a kid got scared around it, it that effect spread galaxy wide. Really?  In a world of sci fi that's the reason the writers came up with? I was so annoyed I only got to the part where Sam was introduced and I called it quits. I also found Sam incredibly annoying, but that could have just been a side effect of my reaction to the burn.

I might come back, I don't know. I'm getting annoyed again just writing this

#29

Off the Record / Re: US - Greenland Crisis Thre...

Last post by Tamas - Today at 05:18:08 AM

I really liked Oex's summary and I do agree with it.

I am still worried on average people have it too comfortable to risk going against the rapidly forming autocratic state. Yes I do based that on myself as well. Would I risk my freedom and life and thus and future and life of my wife and child by resisting, when I could just lay low and continue my middle class lifestyle, or emigrate and do so somewhere else? Maybe in the UK I would as it's a home worth defending and a place that could hope to turn good again, but I already GTFO-ed once instead of staying to struggle on, so who knows.

I have nothing but respect for the people heckling and obstructing ICE in Minessota - especially since the shooting they know they are in mortal danger doing so.

#30

Gaming HQ / Re: The Miscellaneous PC & vid...

Last post by Tonitrus - Today at 05:07:18 AM

Not until they complete the Shareholder Value DLC.