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Showing posts from August, 2022

The Financial and National Value of Classified Documents

Information is worth money and information will buy you global friends. That is even more true when those friends are not best buddies with the U.S. and/or ideologically opposed to democracy and what we deem the free world. Politics as usual stops at the door where national security and interests are harmed. I mean, at least it should. 🤷 ( As a side note. I have been kind of grossed out lately by politics . )  Whether you vote for your conscious, actually represent the needs of people in your districts, or just plain want to look awesome having your name associated with "big players" and/or government positions ( Which actually have duties associated with them. I know I know few expected elected officials to actually do their duties. Not to mention the qualifications issue as we don't think much about when we vote. ) I think there should be some limits.  If classified documents were sold, moved like chess pieces, or transferred intentionally ( or through willful incompet

Ukraine Fights Back: Russia on Run?

It appears the Ukrainian troops are pushing to retake land. New equipment, new support, new strategies, and an initiative. The key was that they allowed Russia to expend significant resources trying to take protected ground with ROC techniques and once they have stretched out their supply lines striking back at just the moment the troops would have consolidated their ground ( their weakest point .)    Can Ukraine win war ?  Russia is not done and the counter initiative will take time. The Ukrainians will need to put in place some defense lines that will slow down a return push by Russians. This is where kill zones during a mad frenzy of reckless Russian effort might be helpful. Set them up in advance, move back a little over these lines and let the Russians walk right into them and then push them back out with chopped up numbers.  Push forward, receive tough resistance, set up kill zones, back up over these lines, let the Russian advance into the kill zones, and then push them back out

When Free Passes for Coordinated Hate Should be Criminal

In this country we have a problem. We have allowed those who commit crimes against others a free pass and there is no justification for it. While we may make up 100s of distorted reasons why we have done so it comes down to a fundamental issue; institutional acceptance of bigotry and hate ( Of course there is always the possibility they were not given a free pass but what I have seen it looks like those who have harmed me and my family where given wink and nods for their behaviors .).  If so, that means Americans of the "wrong type" are targets in other places and the courts struggle with understanding our civil rights and standing up for them. That creates a long term existential risk to half the population and to the nation as a whole ( Actually the whole nation as different groups can pick and choose the rights ands wrongs of justice ). Its not the place I remember as a kid and its not the America I read about in our history books.  I'm not going into the many reasons

The Dangers of Institutional Default and Lack of Accountability on a Local and National Level

Institutional default occurs when the systems in place that are designed to protect the population don't work as they should. Instead of ensuring the primary law of the land is upheld they become mechanisms by which law and its protections can be warped. In general the concept of Federalism and shared governance should be bulwarks against such defaults but it doesn't always function that way and there are a few reasons why.  First, let us highlight why such defaults are dangerous. What separates the U.S. from third world nations is the application of law and the use of wisdom in that application. No race, religion, or ethnic group should get special treatment under the law or have the law warped for their benefit ( Except in the case of politics where politicians regularly seek to politicize and warp our institutions . Of course it's still a problem we need to fix . Prince or pauper we should be under the same system with the difference being the merits of their case .) Onc

Rep. Adam Kinzinger Discusses the Needs of Republicans and Paths Forward

Some people I respect because they are unapologetic for standing up for their country ( Even If I don't believe in all their policies or perspectives. ). Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R) encourages Old Guard Republicans ( I would add Liz Cheney to that group of genuine Republicans. Btw she is not done...she will likely be an even more powerful player soon. ) to reclaim the party's central values. There are a few others as well but most have zipped their lips in fear even though we know most are just repeating what they think will get them elected/reelected. To me if you support destructive behaviors and then it becomes unfashionable you don't get to redo a mistake in hindsight. ( Its one thing to be confused with misinformation but another to be a blind supporter. We must always decide what is the best path forward and that is for democracy, equality, and national development. ). I'm a light R and while I share similarities with many Republicans my family and I have been target

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at Jackson Hole

 I don't really have many comments at the moment but just watch for yourself.  We do need to seriously think about ways to develop our advanced manufacturing to meet world demand and raise our position at the center of the global supply chain. China's growth was based in part on our greed and inability to produce things in the U.S. ( That's not necessarily against China who are naturally going to work in their own interests but it does mean that we have to beef up our own competitive position. We can better do that as soon as our leaders in both parties focus on solutions instead of all the other distracting things many enjoy more than national building. ) We should maximize any limits in labor through the use of greater productivity brought through the development of wearable tech, innovation, drawing FDI and strong management. 

Student Loan Forgiveness Information

 Love it or hate it there are student loan forgiveness information below. You can check in at https://studentaid.gov/. 

DOJ Released Mar-a-Lago Search Warrant and Affidavit

The Justice Department released a redacted version of the Mar-a-Lago search warrant affidavit and memo. You can read the redacted warrant affidavit HERE . We also have the sealed redacted search warrant HERE . Read, browse, and understand. You should make your own judgement about these things. What I can say is that there does seem form these documents to be a history/concern of "outing" people and then targeting them. That would potentially deter witnesses and that can be dangerous for discovering the truth of such situations.  Everyone in this country is innocent until proven guilty. Yet we cannot determine innocence or guilt until the information, witnesses, and data come fully forward.  Likewise, classified documents are classified for a reason because they save lives, people, and our national interests. We must take care of those documents and guard them as much as possible. I say that as a general rule. There are lots of different lawsuits, actions, behaviors, filings a

The Importance of Standing for Values for National Growth

We have a national problem that relates to our universal values. While no one is perfect we should have a minimum set of values that guides us and pushes us to make proper decisions. Sometimes our personal needs get in the way and sometimes we don't have the ability to think beyond our own wants. However, without a level of shared values in society will someday dissipate based on the divergence of those values.  Think about it for a moment. Values are what hold us together. As Americans we have certain values that we share in common that include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, economic opportunities, and practicality ( There are more ). Truth and justice are some values that are hold sacred across different societies. The problem is that when we see obvious and blatant violation of values we have a responsibility to hold those who violated them accountable. We are not talking necessarily about life mistakes but about those things that are truly designed to harm, exploit, un

Two Potential Parties Forming Out of GOP: Maybe or Maybe Not?

Interesting news happening in the Republic Party. I'm a light right Republican so I'm just thinking more from an observational standpoint. While I have my own opinions they are not really relevant here and at this time. I'm an Old Guard Republican but am not really involved in politics at this point in history ( on a very low level ). I may never be but I do love to understand things.  I have been thinking for a while that there has been some danger of two parties forming within the GOP ( From a sociological standpoint ). It may not happen but as one side swings more right there are those who could be outstripped in terms of values and direction ( Think of some of the key leaders like Cheney that have been dissenting. More dissenters could mean a real split. Some may decide if they don't actively and boldly take a stand they will loose more ground. Again, its not an endorsement/not endorsement but something but that could potentially form. ). I think there is a group of

Russia Seeks to Increase Forces: Fatigue Setting In and Why We Need Innovative U.S. Strategies

Russia seeks to increase its forces which could be an indication that casualties are higher than reported. In war time nations don't want to release its casualty data because it inadvertently tips off the other side ( 137K Kremlin Recruit ). Thus intelligence becomes increasingly important so nations use video, eye witness accounts, counting supply chain orders ( i.e. body bags or other markers from other countries and/or supplies that create those items ), size of troop movements ( left behind refuge like food packaging, refuse, etc.. ), satellite and drone images, etc...  What this could indicate is that there has been a draw from Ukraine and war fatigue setting in ( What was expected to be a quick war ended up being drawn out and costly. Sanctions and push back from the international community appears to be taking a toll. They were likely not prepared for this and scrambled into Plan B ). That is fairly normal in a conflict/war of this size. Culturally Russia often uses size ver

The Existential Risk of Free Pass for Hate: Why we should encourage our leaders to stand for the Constitution

 Muslims, Jews, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and others are sometimes seen with disdain among some peoples in our society. Even when crimes are committed we sometimes turn a blind eye and support hate groups through cultural, racial, social and religious familiarity. Standing for the Constitution and what makes Americans "Americans" is important for the long term health and development of our democracy.  First let me say I don't actually advocate for special treatment  of minorities or anyone else; regardless of background ( I recognize the pain of the past but have my eyes on the horizon toward the future .). It's about equal and fair treatment with equal rights for all citizens. A wiser and more universal system of management and existence. We won't compete effectively as a country against our enemies/challengers if we treat our population disparity ( Think about it for a second regardless of your bias; assuming you have some. Not everyone does! ). We must encourag

IRS Receives Threats: As well as FBI and others

We are seeing a growing use of fear to get what appears to be a growing separatist factions strategy ( At present they look like a semi associated group of wolves. We risk it not staying that way forever. ). Notice there could be similar/related groups launching online threats against different government agencies ( It appears that way on the surface .). While no one likes to pay taxes, and people want government to be efficient with our money, it is still a necessary part of a functioning government ( At least until we have so much money in a national interest bearing endowment we can pay for our own services without current taxes...geese would that be nice. Doubtful but certain something to dream about what that would look like. ). You have to get funding from somewhere and as of yet the pot of gold haven't been found. So we should expect to pay something in and violence isn't going to change that. The percentage of taxes and how money is used is a negotiable political disc

Police briefing on postal worker killed by dogs in Florida: Personality and Dogs

I could have taken the Pit Bull! Have been practicing on socks! There was  also that Beatle Bug I kept putting my paw on and barking. Its not normal that dogs have this level of aggression to come out and kill someone. We are way too lenient on owners and their violent dogs. I have seen irresponsible people with breeds that could be dangerous if not raised properly. I'm not seeing a real reason why anyone would want such dogs and why they are so violent.  Once I was walking with two friends my Shiatzu on the leash and another dog owner in San Diego was walking their pit bull off the leash. The pit bull came to attack my dog and I had to swing the Shiatzu in his harness to avoid the attack.  ...and the pit bull was jumping and lunging into the air. When I told the owner to put his dog on the leash he stated "well your toying with my dog" by pulling my Shiatzu to safety. Of course we were horrified that he would say that as his dog crossed a great amount of distance to reac

Challenging Hometown Hate and Why We Must Push for a More Universal System: The American Way!

There are people who feel that America is for those who look like them, have similar lifestyles, belong to their political party, and are adhere to particular religions ( i.e. the American Taliban ). It doesn't take much to figure out there are some people within our institutions who support such beliefs. Challenging hate and its supporters is the American way least we find more institutions and systems default through social networks and clannish support. First, challenging hate can be done within the system and can be done with system improvement in mind. Stepping outside that makes you just as much the problem as those who circumventing/pervert our Constitution and social contracts in their favor.  Two wrongs don't make a right! That leaves some of us in a difficult situation. We want accountability for wrong doing so as to support right over wrong and democracy over third word sectarianism. However, we should also understand that Rome wasn't built within a day and cha

Arkansas Police Fight: Warranted or Unwarranted? Are we Really Thinking of Reform?

I'm a big believer in improving all systems as much as possible because that creates greater strength as a people, nation, and collective of institutions. This is somewhat of a disturbing video of a police encounter with a suspected violent criminal. We can learn from these situations and improve where improvement is warranted. Notice that from the surface this doesn't appear to be a race issue ( That is why we need to see things from different vantage points and perspectives . I believe race and religion are still big issues but its not the only issue as it pertains to positive reform. ). The story isn't fully out so we should always be patient and just sort recognize what we see and some of the potential explanations. Just don't lock yourself into an unsupported position. The video indicates a fairly severe beating of a suspect. The suspect, according to the video, made threats and acted in a violent manner. The video also indicates that it started in a certain civil

Car Bomb of Alexander Dugin's Daughter Not the Right Way!

I'm observing what is going on in Ukraine and believe Ukraine has a right to choose their path. I also believe Russia acted in a highly aggressive fashion based on their strategic goals and historical beliefs of regional control. Despite my beliefs/values I do believe there are certain rules that war should follow and there can be honor in keeping innocents out of the fray. ( Innocents are often the first ones to be targeted and hurt in war. We see that in Ukraine and we now see that in Russia. ) No matter where the fighting between Russia and Ukraine goes I do not believe assassinating national intellectuals or their families is the right way to deal with disagreement. Recently Alexander Dugin' daughter was killed in a car bombing after attending a lecture ( Who did it is still an open question .) In the West we believe in something called freedom of speech. I likely don't agree with many Russian intellectuals because they work from their cultural vantage point in the same

What Do We Do With Local Hate Groups?

Local hate is a problem and we have very little understanding of what it looks like and how to master the challenges it presents. We often feel that if its a certain target or we lower the inherent value of the targets we can justify all types of poor behaviors. The lessons of history have not yet dawned on us and how free passes in one area teaches others that hate is an acceptable method for settling disputes and creating self gain in other areas.  What is often worse is that people line up to support their local hate behaviors because of social networks and personal loyalties. As more people commit to support their skin color, religion, sense of identity (i.e. sports mentality), ethnicity, etc. they make choices that further the hate agenda and often leads to the default of local institutions (i.e. one law enforcement agency and a local college) based on their group loyalties.  I believe there are some solutions but that would require us to take hate seriously and as a impediment to

Photo of Pacific Beach Pier

 Photo of Pacific Beach Pier. I'm a little annoyed by the orange cones so I will likely retake at some point when they are not there. I'm just going to put it up in the gallery in case there is any interest. I also noticed when browsing through the gallery a couple of darker pictures. I will either need to edit or remove them. You don't see the darkness until you compare them side by side with other photos.  I'm heading to Michigan where the fall colors are going to start coming in (Likely in about 2 months). If you haven't walked one of those trails in the fall when all the trees are a different color you are missing something special. Yes, walking the boardwalk in CA is awesome but its flip side of equal stature is the trails of the UP of Michigan.  As you can probably tell I'm trying to clean out any worthwhile (relative) pictures out of my camera. 

Picture of Beach House in Mission Bay

 I'm not sure this one can be sold and would be of any interest to put in the gallery. However, I still think its a nice picture and thought some might like seeing it. Mission Bay California.

Massive Great White Shark Sighting Near San Diego

If your a surfer you might find these sightings interesting. Sometimes I surf, dive, and swim so knowing the environment is pretty important. There have been some sightings in the area of sharks so caution is always a good thing. I'm not an expert in this field but I wonder if water temperature has something to do with it. 🤔

Trade Negotiations to Start Between Taiwan and the U.S.

 Trade negotiations to start between Taiwan and the U.S.. It seems like a process of creating more ties to the Island as an indication of support. We are in interesting times. We should consider what place we as a nation want to be in the global supply chain ( i.e. I would consider innovative center ). Likewise, we will also want to create supply chains that can provide a place for countries like Taiwan to prosper as well. The rules in the global world are changing quickly as trade conflicts between the philosophies of Capitalism and Communism rise (Russia and Ukraine, US and China, etc..)