Interesting angle on Russian meddling and on Twitter itself.

[LAS14]

Before I start, I'm NOT a troll. I'm reporting a story that I found interesting. The story does NOT suggest that the Russians didn't try to help Trump.

But here's what was new to me. An expert on these kinds of things (whose name I can't remember - on CNN or PBS) who claimed long experience watching Russian cyber-warfare, said that one of their strategies is to stir up any kind of dissension in a society (not just U.S., but we already knew that). They send out bots to stir up feelings, including movements like Black Lives Matter. One of the main points he wanted to make is that Twitter is completely capable of distinguishing bots from real people but won't do it because the more twitter traffic, the more important Twitter seems. Apparently they have not yet made a profit (????? - how do companies survive????), and are hoping to get bigger and bigger in hopes of one.

[MFM008]

1. I think I saw that guy

Hopper or someone, yes he was all in on the big Russian Picture. Destabilizing a democracy.

[Yonnie3]

2. a couple of comments

"I'm NOT a troll." - I wouldn't have thought you were one.

"long experience watching Russian cyber-warfare." - This type of activity by the Russians (or USSR) started long before the internet. Infiltration of anti Vietnam War groups in the late 60s for an example. They have simply moved operations to an easier and cheaper arena.

"how do companies survive????" - The initial mantra is always "we will grow ourselves out of it," with large expenditures.

When that fails, budget cuts, layoffs, and extreme austerity will save them.

Then comes bankruptcy and restructuring of debts, screwing suppliers, investors, and retirees.

The Republicans want to run the country like a business. They are well along with the business model.