Politics What is happening????

Actually we need this badly...
New nonpartisan group aims to educate on Russian interference threat

Not just for Americans...and not just politically.
But for all the world and for all contexts.

Because Russia has become an instigator everywhere (including it's own neighbors, allies and even themselves)
Anywhere they can manipulate things.

And ALL people need to realize that this affects ALL
And it can not only come from Russia, but any country now can execute manipulations like this.

All the more reason to be aware.
To protect yourself...and to understand the consequences of being neglectful and unaware.

Just because you're oblivious or in denial.
Doesn't mean the bad guys aren't out to get YOU (and your nation...ANY nation)

This is NO joke.
NOT paranoia.
It is real and they have shown the willingness to pull the trigger.
AND invest greatly into it.

We're actually lucky that this is so obvious a hit and who it is.
Because this could come from ANY capable group.
Just need time, mind and money.
From ANYWHERE

Sad that we're just starting to realize this.

 

Everyone Wants to Reduce Drug Prices. So Why Can’t We Do It?

Other countries can do it...why not the US?

Typical reason...conflict of interest, kick-backs and profiteering, etc and so on...

We're paying for the R&D for the rest of the world.

 

Opinion | America’s 8-Step Program for Opioid Addiction

THIS
This what's happening
Theses drugs aren't glam...they're often script just out of control.
This isn't just going on with disaffected, Hollywood glam, gangs, Wall Street execs or any stereotypical takers.

But
Mom, wives, husband, older folk...anyone can be a potential victim.
You start taking them for pain...then you need more and more...
Even my ex-wife got caught in the cycle, when she started them for her severe pain from auto-immune diseases. (RA, etc...)

You CAN die easily from overdose.

Even the police trying to confiscate them after an incident...get a bit on their skin, can DIE (have DIED)

We need to have the docs reconsider uses of these, or at least significantly restrict/limit them.
And even re-train the docs. (on the effect and ethics of their use)

We need to make going to rehab easier. (as my ex did in the end)

Awareness needs to happen more.
Action needs to happen AND continue.

 

How to tame Putin??
How to tame Putin

My sentiments may be closely stated by Chuck Lorre and his vanity card

In all seriousness...
Putin has again made Russia one of the top instigators and bullies of the world.
Creating an intelligence infrastructure that excels in provoking chaos amongst its enemies and competitors...especially America. (but not exclusive by far)
Is not above using intimidation and actual military to slowly taking over territory (NOT affecting the US as much as Russia's neighbors...Ukraine, the Balkan states, etc...)
And all together and unlike his "Dick Dastardly" disciple, Mr. Trump...Putin is more like a real-life Lex Luthor without a Superman to check him.

His mindset and actions affect all the world and MOST nations.
His MO, chaos to our enemies.
And if they sink...Russia succeeds by comparison.
(at least in his mind for the short term...Russia tried this and buried itself in the past...but it didn't learn its lesson and become a Zombie Cold War nation or more like Jason come back to life stronger)

We need to be on our A game.
We need to meet his instigators on ALL levels...checking actions and hacking.
We need to NOT be in denial.
Aware, prepared and ACTING.

Enough of this mamby-pambying around by our leaders.
Do something about his shit.
You may not be able to take him down directly, being a sovereign nation and all...with thousands of nukes too.
But you CAN act against him, check his power and gains and games.

Get your shit together "leaders"
And not just political...corporate and otherwise too.

Helps if the public stays aware too...and pushes a solution...if not a mindset.
We can talk again, when Russia starts behaving (like it showed it could do back in the 90's)

 

Opinion | How Computers Turned Gerrymandering Into a Science

We terribly need a Voter Rights Amendment

• no gerrymandering (the same computers that tweak it to benefit a party, can also even it for the population as a whole)
• everyone over 18 votes (no voter id BS, although I prefer 21)
• pure popular vote
• no media speculation until vote is complete (all polls close for the whole nation - they DO influence)
• have a national holiday for the vote
• replace Columbus Day with the new voting holiday (Monday not Tuesday)
• make voting the whole long weekend
• compulsory vote (I know "free speech" but this is your duty like taxes, etc)
• "none of the above" allowed (there's your free speech)
• national candidates have to visit every state (we have these things called planes...there's only 50)
• campaigning is limited to one year (IMHO...give them time to actually do their job)
• ONLY citizens can donate (not companies)
• no PACS
• full transparency on donations
• computer voting must have a TWO paper receipts (one for the officials, one for the voter)
• cybersecurity MUST be provided AND certified
• no foreign influence
• hacking is addressed immediately (with severe penalties)
• felons can vote
• felons cannot run

Anything else??

 

I agree partially...
Mandatory registration isn't needed if you "have to" vote. -
you exist, a citizen, you're 21, you vote. (and no teens shouldn't be voting or going to war anymore...give everyone 20 years straight to be a kid...ya can't go back)
Same with homeless, etc...you show you're a citizen, you vote.

Let's get past the 50 limit...Puerto Rico needs to be a state, DC should join Maryland and we can't unite all the small states.
I don't agree with term limits (good people should stay) ...but I do like merit pay.
And Reps need to be longer than 2 years. (maybe 4, Senators 8...everything in 4 year increments)

I do agree with other parties...but in the end I like Independents.

 

Wary of Hackers, States Move to Upgrade Voting Systems

You have to do what you can, to secure it all
when you have major players like Russia trying create havoc and chaos. (having invested a LOT of money, time, effort, organization, and intent to stir and muddy the waters...if not piss in it)

China wants to grab the keys...Russia wants to key the car.

 

And now a deadly corruption...
How Congress allied with drug company lobbyists to derail the DEA’s war on opioids

Unfortunately, Congress and the current Administration is unlikely to correct this soon.
How many legalized drug deaths will occur until then???

 

What is happening?...more like what is NOT happening...

It's nice to know our nation and economy keep going DESPITE the insanity and chaos in the government.
So far...

The impact will be more long term (unless there is a war or nukes...but that's whole other level...)

Let's hope rational leaders will prevail.

** statement above is for ANY nation

 

So what's the truth about taxes in the US??
Analysis | The state of the American tax system, in 8 charts

Do other countries have this up and down and all around...basic vagueness about how we get the money, who pays and where it goes???
I think so...but how in comparison??

Death and Taxes, y'know??

 

‘The Russians Have Succeeded Beyond Their Wildest Expectations’

This is a global issue...not just the US
America is just a primary target but Russia is doing this everywhere.

And this is NOT to say that other countries including America haven't done their own interference and manipulation before...or now.

But Russia seems to be doing it on steroids.
So what do you think on the matter??

 

As a follow up to the previous post
An example of how is NOT “just” America that is being manipulated by Russia.

Rising alarm in Britain over Russian meddling in Brexit vote
The evidence that the Russians bombarded British targets through social media was splashed on nightly news and front pages.

Rising alarm in Britain over Russian meddling in Brexit vote