Linkee-poo Thursday

The alligators have been frisky today.

"This week on Hidden Brain, we explore the paradox of our passion for politics: we're more informed than ever, but many of us are also less politically active. Why do we see politics as something that happens on Capitol Hill, and not in our neighborhoods? How do we re-frame politics from a form of entertainment to a vehicle for change in our lives? Hersh suggests that the solutions may be less daunting than we think." Here we are now entertain us. Or it's all fun and games until they come for you. These past 3 years have been filled with stories of, "Well, yes, he said he would do this, but I didn't think it would affect me." Surprise. We're all in this together. However this podcast misses a number of issues which can be summed up with the line from Ford Prefect, "They care, we don't, they win. Let's find a party." Also, I have had power. I don't crave it anymore. The concept of people are always after power is a canard. Also, I believe Dr. Hersh's conclusions are more a product of the self-selected nature of his students (Tufts) and that socio-economic class than the full reality. Although I will agree that there are lots of hobbyists. I also agree with the observation that the way to power is helping people with their needs (and not talking policy) and that political parties should be at the front of doing these things. And then it makes me wonder if Dr. Hersh doesn't believe that the cathartic release of Trump's rallies for his followers is one of those needs.

\ "Sudan says it has signed a deal to settle claims related to the bombing attack on the USS Cole 20 years ago, in a move that could end lawsuits filed by victims and their families and also improve Sudan's chances of getting off the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism."

"The head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection made a surprising admission this week about the agency's Seattle field office…Last month, officers at a border crossing there pulled aside hundreds of Iranian-Americans — including U.S citizens and green card holders — and held them for hours… 'In that specific office,' acting CBP commissioner Mark Morgan said at a briefing with reporters in Washington, 'leadership just got a little overzealous.'" Or to paraphrase, "He he he, well, we just got a little ahead of ourselves there." Note there's no real plan to resolve the problem of "overzealous" officers.

"Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, the former National Security Council aide and impeachment witness President Donald Trump fired Friday, was just doing his job, former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly told students and guests at a Drew University event here Wednesday night." And so continues the attempt by some to rectify their reputations. So now Kelly comes off as the kinder, gentler, fascist supporter.