Rob's House

I understand that. My point was less about Bolton and this specific issue, and more about my skepticism of anything I'm hearing from anyone in government or media. That tweet was just an example I used to illustrate that point. I used to view these things with a lot less skepticism. Now I wonder, not whether Bolton is consistent in his position, but what his motivations are. Why is he so interested in this, and what is the rest of the story. It's entirely possible that I would agree with him entirely if I knew all the facts. But I don't. And most people don't. But we're quick to jump on board. I think it's prudent to take everything we're told with great skepticism.

What can I say. I'm a magnanimous mother *****.

This right here is a prime example of my distrust. A year ago I may have taken this at face value, but now I'm wondering how accurate this is, what the details are, what's the bigger picture, and what is the motive of the messenger. I don't really believe John Bolton cares all that much about the internal affairs of Iran for humanitarian purposes. I know I don't support the Islamic theocracy in power over there, but I couldn't tell you what the options are, how the people in that country feel about those options, and what the broader consequences of those actions (or inaction) may be. I do believe most people following this, who are just as ignorant as I, are confident enough in their understanding that they will support measures up to and including war if presented with the proper narrative. Up until recently I would have too. If done properly, maybe I still would. I want to thank you for this. You could have interjected with a thoughtful counterpoint to something being discussed that may have added perspective, but you've given us so much more.

I find the answer to that question increasingly elusive. I'm realizing, not for the first time, but on a deeper level, that virtually everything we are taught is propaganda. Not just our contemporary politics and humanities, but nearly all of human history as it is taught is written by the victors and spread by the powerful to shape our view of the world and the human condition to facilitate the objectives of the propagandists. Every narrative is carefully crafted, and every sacred cow is a barrier to truth. Questioning the narrative is forbidden, lest you be labeled a "conspiracy theorist," who is by definition crazy, and therefore to be dismissed out of hand without further inquiry or consideration. Cursory studies, but not to the extent I'd like. It's difficult to find worthwhile sources on the subject without dedicating a fair amount of time to it. My suspicion is that those writing the history books find the reality of the situation problematic to their narrative.

In my younger years I rebelled against religion, and found it perplexing that those who seemed most grounded in reality disproportionately held an unquestioning belief in a deity whose very existence was substantiated only by the ancient texts of a primitive society. It was not until many years later that I realized why. I attribute part to the inherent human need for purpose that is largely provided by religion, but is often substituted with political ideology by the irreligious. I think your observation about having a moral grounding outside of one's own whims may be even more significant.

That's one reason it is painfully ironic to hear leftists decrying the abandonment of the rule of law. First, because they don't know what it means, and secondly, because they are steadfastly opposed to it. Rule of man might well be the single most important and fundamental aspect of their ideology.

The hatefulness part is real and disturbing. I've been reading about the Bolshevik revolution, and the utter hatred for, and brutality toward those whose only crime, often times, was philosophical disagreement, is so dark and disturbing. I see that same hatred manifesting itself in ways I would not have dreamed could happen here. Totalitarians don't seek to improve the condition of the workers, they seek to control and exploit them to elevate themselves as the ruling class. The talk of the workers' plight is marketing/propaganda similar to WMDs as the reason to invade Iraq, the sinking of the Lusitania to enter WWI, or global warming as a reason to enact global taxes. I understand why they want power, and kill/suppress those who are seen as obstacles, but the genuine hatred for people who don't want to be slaves perplexes me.

I read an interesting piece that put forth the theory that having a hidden scandal in your past is more likely to enhance one's political/public career because the power players that put politicians/pundits in their places know they can control them. I always discounted the theory of a shadow government pulling the strings, but the more I learn the more plausible it seems.

Joe is as sleazy as anyone in news media. The guy creeps me out whenever I see him talk. It would not surprise me at all to learn that he's a psychopath. I suspect the same is true of Adam Schiff as well. I have no trouble picturing him running a Soviet gulag.

Every team has a down game. The 16-0 Patriots came dangerously close to losing a game to the 5-11 Ravens.

The Miami Fitzpatrick's just put the game on ice.

I left him on the bench in favor of DJ Chark.

I didn't see that on any of the half dozen slow motion replays.

I don't think they'd have reversed it either. Just the kind of play where the ref should have kept the flag in his pocket. I was still happy about the outcome. I want Baltimore's confidence shaken before next week.

I disagree. I think it was a clean play.

I'm pulling for SF, but that PI on Humphries was bull *****.

Jackson is the new Brady in that you can't breathe on him without drawing a flag.

Dayman! Glad to see you posting, bro.

That's because the threat of running opens up the pass, but our pass defense is elite. If we sell out the run and let our DBs do what they do we'll give up some points, but may be able to contain them enough to pull out the win.

With regards to taxation generally I don't know that there is an example, but wrt income tax, the US had none until 1913 and it worked out pretty well.

If we lose to the Ravens I won't think much of it because no one else runs an offense similar to theirs, so it's hard to prepare for and adjust to. But if we win it will cement the Bills as a premier team in the league. I think we beat the Pats and secure a playoff spot either way.

You're basically right, but ***** it. Allen's 300 yd game will come. Then this will be a mute point.

***** the NFL

9-3 feels so good.

I want to thank Jason Garrett for being a moron. Last week when he should have gone for it he kicks the FG. This week when he should have kicked it he goes for it. Thanks for allowing us to take a 3 score lead into the 4th, Jason.