Agiel Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 (edited) Trump: 'We want to get twice as many planes for half the price' "In fact, Gen. [Jim] Mattis called me, and he goes, 'Wow, I can't believe I got everything we wanted.' I said, 'That's right, but we want no excuses. We want you to buy twice, OK, twice what you thought for half the price,'" Trump said, according to a transcript of the meeting. "So maybe we're going to get involved a little bit in the buying," he continued. "We want to get twice as many planes for half the price. And believe me, we can do a lot, because the procurement process is very outdated, to put it nicely." Seems that he would find Soviet defence acquisition policies quite attractive. The above quote reminds me of a story in which a PVO Marshal boasted that his service was purchasing Su-27Ps for the same price as MiG-29As. Anyone with a passing knowledge of aviation would know that this is an absurd assertion, considering that the Su-27 is a larger and more sophisticated aircraft than the MiG-29, but given how the Soviet military mindset was of a weird parallel universe in which labour and materiel had no monetary value... Edited February 13, 2018 by Agiel Quote “Political philosophers have often pointed out that in wartime, the citizen, the male citizen at least, loses one of his most basic rights, his right to life; and this has been true ever since the French Revolution and the invention of conscription, now an almost universally accepted principle. But these same philosophers have rarely noted that the citizen in question simultaneously loses another right, one just as basic and perhaps even more vital for his conception of himself as a civilized human being: the right not to kill.” -Jonathan Littell <<Les Bienveillantes>> Quote "The chancellor, the late chancellor, was only partly correct. He was obsolete. But so is the State, the entity he worshipped. Any state, entity, or ideology becomes obsolete when it stockpiles the wrong weapons: when it captures territories, but not minds; when it enslaves millions, but convinces nobody. When it is naked, yet puts on armor and calls it faith, while in the Eyes of God it has no faith at all. Any state, any entity, any ideology that fails to recognize the worth, the dignity, the rights of Man...that state is obsolete." -Rod Serling
pmp10 Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 Nova has sadly not only become horribly dumbed down in recent years, but it's pushing insano political agendas these days (see recent episode on black holes). Wait, how do you use black holes to push political agendas? I see it happen all the time in history but you'd think astronomy should be relatively safe.
Guard Dog Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 (edited) What is this propaganda which starts to play before videos? Seriously, this looks like some sort of video game ad. It is despicable how the polish government handles history and treats it like some sort of adventurestory. No facts, no sources, no proper historical work. Instead, mere emotion. Especially with a topic such as the Holocaust, one might expect governments to hadle it with some sort of professionalism. This, however, is laughable.If this was indeed a videogame ad, we should expect some criticism for the poor handling of the subject, and rightfully so. The fact that it is a government behind this video, which seems to view this type of broadcasting as a legitimate political tool, is borderline horrifying LOL, remember a few years back the US government mistook Fallout 3 art concepts as Al Qaeda plans? Edit: Correction, it wasn't the government is was a contractor that worked for the CIA. Still funny though. https://kotaku.com/5011913/intelligence-group-mistakes-fallout-3-screens-for-terrorist-propaganda Edited February 13, 2018 by Guard Dog "While it is true you learn with age, the down side is what you often learn is what a damn fool you were before" Thomas Sowell
smjjames Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 What is this propaganda which starts to play before videos? LOL. I posted this months ago. Made by IPN (Institute of National Remembrance). Here is the full video with narration (yes it is Sean Bean): ah wow... I actually forgot that. Anyway, at least it wasn’t an ad on YT back then. Also, regarding to the “fake news glorifying the hellspawn”, BBC is British As is The Guardian, though they do have an US based branch.
HoonDing Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 (edited) Poe's law Edited February 13, 2018 by HoonDing The ending of the words is ALMSIVI.
Zoraptor Posted February 13, 2018 Posted February 13, 2018 Youtube is meant to be kind of dialing back the political stuff but they really aren't doing so at all. There's also a pro Turkey's invasion of Syria/ Afrin video being played as an ad (which is at least mostly factual, just slanted). If you want real fake news, try the NYT report on the US airstrikes on government forces from a few days ago, which gets about one fact correct. The source for 'hundreds' of russian casualties resolves to a fake social media account- that of one of the ex leaders of the Donbass rebels, Strelkov, who has repeatedly said he doesn't have any social media accounts- it's just multiple sources repeating the second hand information*. Plus even pro YPG sources now admit that the local ex ISIS SDF attacked first then called in airstrikes on the warning response (dozens of artillery, rocket and mortar rounds yet only 1 wounded?) they got- difficult not to when the locals were dumb enough to make videos celebrating the fact and saying they were going to attack government forces again. *Though it's pretty much certain a few were killed; too much of a coincidence that 1960s era S-200s are suddenly able to shoot down modern Israeli jets.
ShadySands Posted February 14, 2018 Posted February 14, 2018 Taliban addresses "the American people" In a rambling nearly 3,000-word letter issued Wednesday, the Taliban urged the "American people" to press their government to withdraw from Afghanistan, reminding them that the Afghan war is the longest conflict in which they have been embroiled -- and at a cost of "trillions of dollars." The letter was addressed to "the American people, officials of independent non-governmental organizations and the peace loving Congressmen." Free games updated 3/4/21
Volourn Posted February 14, 2018 Posted February 14, 2018 TRIGGERED. CongressMEN? That is sexist. LITERAL NAZIS. We here, in the Amerikas, like to use the word congressperson. 1 DWARVES IN PROJECT ETERNITY = VOLOURN HAS PLEDGED $250.
Orogun01 Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 Taliban addresses "the American people" In a rambling nearly 3,000-word letter issued Wednesday, the Taliban urged the "American people" to press their government to withdraw from Afghanistan, reminding them that the Afghan war is the longest conflict in which they have been embroiled -- and at a cost of "trillions of dollars." The letter was addressed to "the American people, officials of independent non-governmental organizations and the peace loving Congressmen." I do love how subtle they are with their priming, saying that its "rambling". Bet if it was a Democrat speech would be comprehensive instead. I'd say the answer to that question is kind of like the answer to "who's the sucker in this poker game?"* *If you can't tell, it's you.
Katphood Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 More shootings...sad. There used to be a signature here, a really cool one...and now it's gone.
Raithe Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 1 "Cuius testiculos habeas, habeas cardia et cerebellum."
Malcador Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 More shootings...sad. I think it's time for USA to change 2nd amendment from the right to bear arms to obligation to bear arms at all times. Road rage deaths will reach worrying levels. Why has elegance found so little following? Elegance has the disadvantage that hard work is needed to achieve it and a good education to appreciate it. - Edsger Wybe Dijkstra
Guard Dog Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 A lot of people are down on the FBI & local police because they were aware of threats this guy had made. But what could they do? You can't arrest someone BEFORE they commit a crime. It would make a decent sci-fi story if they could. One other thought. In most states the minimum age to buy a pistol is 21 but 18 for rifles. Perhaps that should change. Perhaps 21 should be the age of full legal majority for everything. It would not ave stopped everything because weapons can be had by other than legal means. But he did buy his weapon legally so it's worth considering. "While it is true you learn with age, the down side is what you often learn is what a damn fool you were before" Thomas Sowell
Malcador Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 Isn't making threats illegal, though ? Why has elegance found so little following? Elegance has the disadvantage that hard work is needed to achieve it and a good education to appreciate it. - Edsger Wybe Dijkstra
Guard Dog Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 Isn't making threats illegal, though ? Specific threats yes/ "I'm going to kill you Malcador". That will get you arrested. Generalized threats "I'm going to kill someone" not so much. It will get them looking at you, but until you actually DO something what can they do? "While it is true you learn with age, the down side is what you often learn is what a damn fool you were before" Thomas Sowell
Hurlshort Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 This is a pretty interesting opinion piece. Pretty much mirrors my feelings of futility with the whole gun control political trap: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/i-used-to-think-gun-control-was-the-answer-my-research-told-me-otherwise/2017/10/03/d33edca6-a851-11e7-92d1-58c702d2d975_story.html?utm_term=.424972d13ac9 1
Malcador Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 Isn't making threats illegal, though ?Specific threats yes/ "I'm going to kill you Malcador". That will get you arrested. Generalized threats "I'm going to kill someone" not so much. It will get them looking at you, but until you actually DO something what can they do? Haven't bothered to take a look but it seems like the threats were slightly specific from reports I heard. But yeah, they can't necessarily do anything worse than talk to him - that might put a scare on him but also might provoke him. Does seem like something one should lose their firearms for though, but I forget that's a right meant to have no restrictions down there Why has elegance found so little following? Elegance has the disadvantage that hard work is needed to achieve it and a good education to appreciate it. - Edsger Wybe Dijkstra
Chilloutman Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 A lot of people are down on the FBI & local police because they were aware of threats this guy had made. But what could they do? You can't arrest someone BEFORE they commit a crime. It would make a decent sci-fi story if they could. One other thought. In most states the minimum age to buy a pistol is 21 but 18 for rifles. Perhaps that should change. Perhaps 21 should be the age of full legal majority for everything. It would not ave stopped everything because weapons can be had by other than legal means. But he did buy his weapon legally so it's worth considering. I think you still have to go through psychologival exam before they gave you gun permit no? I'm the enemy, 'cause I like to think, I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech, and freedom of choice. I'm the kinda guy that likes to sit in a greasy spoon and wonder, "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecue ribs with the side-order of gravy fries?" I want high cholesterol! I wanna eat bacon, and butter, and buckets of cheese, okay?! I wanna smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section! I wanna run naked through the street, with green Jell-O all over my body, reading Playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly may feel the need to, okay, pal? I've SEEN the future. Do you know what it is? It's a 47-year-old virgin sitting around in his beige pajamas, drinking a banana-broccoli shake, singing "I'm an Oscar Meyer Wiene"
Gfted1 Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 I think you still have to go through psychologival exam before they gave you gun permit no? Regular civilians? Not that I'm aware of. A felonious criminal record will block legal purchases though. 1 "I'm your biggest fan, Ill follow you until you love me, Papa"
Chilloutman Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 thats.. dumb we really have probably best gun laws on the world.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_the_Czech_Republic I'm the enemy, 'cause I like to think, I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech, and freedom of choice. I'm the kinda guy that likes to sit in a greasy spoon and wonder, "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecue ribs with the side-order of gravy fries?" I want high cholesterol! I wanna eat bacon, and butter, and buckets of cheese, okay?! I wanna smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section! I wanna run naked through the street, with green Jell-O all over my body, reading Playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly may feel the need to, okay, pal? I've SEEN the future. Do you know what it is? It's a 47-year-old virgin sitting around in his beige pajamas, drinking a banana-broccoli shake, singing "I'm an Oscar Meyer Wiene"
Malcador Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 thats.. dumb we really have probably best gun laws on the world.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_the_Czech_Republic Brilliant choice of image for that article 1 Why has elegance found so little following? Elegance has the disadvantage that hard work is needed to achieve it and a good education to appreciate it. - Edsger Wybe Dijkstra
Pidesco Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 This is a pretty interesting opinion piece. Pretty much mirrors my feelings of futility with the whole gun control political trap: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/i-used-to-think-gun-control-was-the-answer-my-research-told-me-otherwise/2017/10/03/d33edca6-a851-11e7-92d1-58c702d2d975_story.html?utm_term=.424972d13ac9 The thing is, quite simply, that Americans love guns too much. It's just your gun culture. If a high enough number of people likes guns, wants guns and owns guns, there will always be some people who will get and use guns inappropriately. Those people may be unbalanced individuals that go on shooting sprees, people who don't store guns away from children, people who lose their guns, people who don't maintain their guns regularly, people who sell their guns on the black market, or whatever else you can think of. These people will be a very small percentage of the overall group, but as that group is huge, they will still be significant enough to cause stuff like that happens almost everyday in the States. And forget about changing this. Outside of some sort of catastrophe, a society's basic cultural trait usually changes only over decades, at the very least. If something like Sandy Hook didn't change perspectives towards guns, then nothing will. 1 "My hovercraft is full of eels!" - Hungarian tourist I am Dan Quayle of the Romans. I want to tattoo a map of the Netherlands on my nether lands. Heja Sverige!! Everyone should cuffawkle more. The wrench is your friend.
smjjames Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 I still say part of the problem is that the Second Amendment makes it that much harder to talk about gun control or gun safety or whatever term you can think of to describe the conversation around guns. I'm not saying that the Second Amendment itself is the problem or that it should be abolished (though clarifying it may be a good idea), just that trying to work around it or with it is an obstacle that other countries don't and didn't have. Anyways, sounds like Trump is starting to display the same kind of frustration Obama had over the school shootings and stuff. Though I have doubts that even Trump will be able to nudge the Republicans in Congress forward on it. They tried the bump stocks thing but even that fell through. Might take a Democrat controlled Congress (majorities in both chambers, possibly a supermajority in the Senate) and a Democrat President in order to make actual progress on guns, unfortunately.
Hurlshort Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 The people that want to ban guns, or put harsh gun control restrictions in effect, are basically simplifying a very complex issue. It's actually the same line of thinking that gets us a big wall on the border to deal with illegal immigration. These solutions ignore the cultural and economic realities of the United States. It would be nice if we could really get serious research done on both these issues without constant political bickering and see actual targeted reform put into effect. But I suppose would also be unrealistic.
smjjames Posted February 15, 2018 Posted February 15, 2018 Only problem with serious research is that the government has actively blocked said research because there are minimal records on guns because people (and the NRA mostly) don't want the government to have records on guns, thus it's impossible or very difficult to do a meaningful and comprehensive research that would actually result in targeted legislation. Not that there isn't some research, but the research that could be done isn't able to be done.
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