2016 archive
Cash Cowed 0
At The Boston Review, Donna Murch takes a close look at our for profit prison system. She points out that it is not just the private prison firms that profit; it’s also almost every stakeholder in the criminal “justice” system. This is a snippet from the introduction. The entire article is worth your while.
In states and municipalities throughout the country, the criminal justice system defrays costs by forcing prisoners and their families to pay for punishment. It also allows private service providers to charge outrageous fees for everyday needs such as telephone calls. As a result people facing even minor criminal charges can easily find themselves trapped in a self-perpetuating cycle of debt, criminalization, and incarceration.
(snip)
In an era of fiscal austerity and crisis, mass incarceration has enabled private contractors, municipalities, counties, and states to make money off large numbers of America’s most vulnerable residents. The historical roots of these extractive practices stretch far back in the American past.
Inconceivable 0
Jim Wright says that Trump’s no quitter. A nugget:
Trump’s not going to quit the race.
Why should he?
What possible motivation does Trump have to drop out?
That’s what liberals want.
That’s what the GOP establishment wants.
Trump can’t give them that victory, the shame would be unbearable. He’ll blow his own brains out first.
Trump, whatever his other motivations might be, is an attention whore.
Mr. Wright is quite correct. Trump can no more quit than he can pivot. The Trump samba has only one note.
Follow the link for the rest. You will be glad you did.
The Climates They Are a-Changing 0
Thom points out that, when it comes to Republicans and climate change, the hoax gets in their lies.
Twilight Zone 1
Tony Norman admits that, despite his best efforts, he cannot look away from the Trumpery. A snippet:
Staring into a Stereotype 0
At the Raleigh News and Observer, Mary Roodkowsky explores the origins of Hillary Hatred. A snippet:
But why is Hillary Hatred so intense, so committed, so sure of itself?
It’s because Hillary isn’t feminine or womanly, at least not in traditional ways. She doesn’t emote much publicly, she’s not spontaneous, she’s not touchy-feely. In short, she’s not vulnerable. And this is terrifying.
Women are emotional. Mothers are nurturers. Being a real woman means being spontaneous and responsive. Hillary doesn’t fit these stereotypes, and so she’s not a proper woman. This outrages many Americans, of both sexes.
(snip)
This dislike and fear of serious, reserved women is particularly American.
Dis Coarse Discourse 0
Via Job’s Anger.
QOTD 0
Samuel Taylor Coleridge:
Experience informs us that the first defence of weak minds is to recriminate.
And Now for Something Completely Different 0
In the mid-50s, Liberace had an afternoon television show. My mother tried to watch it every day.
He was one weird dude, but he could play.
Dis Coarse Discourse 0
Why do persons think Hillary Clinton isn’t trustworthy? Perhaps this compilation of claptrap will give you a clue or three.
Amazing.
Via Karoli at C&L, who notes (follow the link for the full article):
When you hear questions framed like the ones in the video above, or you hear media allowing the frame that she is a “horribly flawed candidate,” allow yourself the space to consider that it is their perception only. It’s something they’ve invested in for 40 years now, and they’re unlikely to let it go anytime soon.
