The most disconcerting thing about all of this

[justiceischeap]

for me is finding out just how many of our Pols (and Trump appts) are tied to Russia.

Even Sheriff Clarke has ties to Russia.

Exactly when did Russia get such a strong toehold within our government.

I remember during the campaign some on DU were "seduced" by RT and swore by this arm of Putin propaganda.

I'm not a "red" hater in general but it's quite obvious to those that have their eyes open that Putin is not an altruistic dude.

[PJMcK]

1. Russia's plot

You make some excellent points, justiceischeap, and I agree with you. Throughout the day-to-day dramas of the Trump White House, I've thought often about the reasons Russia would meddle in our elections. I've come to two conclusions.

First, Putin's objective is to weaken democracies by undermining citizens' faith in their elected officials. Applied across the western nations, this goal will weaken our alliances and individual countries. Since so many of our politicians are already financially compromised from their fund-raising activities and other selfish reasons, they are easy targets for disinformation and dissent. By using social media and bots targeting websites, Russia was able to sow discontent and foment anger. Their additional use of false "news" powered by the internet's openness to conspiracy theories added more disrespect in the populace. All of this fueled many voters in the US last November.

My second observation is that Trump was an accident. I believe that the Russians expected Secretary Clinton to win and all they were hoping for was to weaken her right out of the gate. If they could create enough questions about her legitimacy, it would sap her political capital. The Russians must have been thrilled when they saw that Trump had won! Since they already have his number, they knew that they could easily manipulate Trump.

So, Putin's plot is working out very well.

[justiceischeap]

2. The ironic thing about this Russian effort

is that our pols, on their own (?), were doing enough to erode our confidence.

However, I've read articles articulating that a conservative movement is brewing all across the world and that Russia is behind it. Is this all so Putin can reclaim Super Power status? It seems a lot of effort for little return (other than world domination).

[PJMcK]

3. Our politicians

I agree with you completely that our elected officials' corruption has already weakened our faith and respect for them. I was suggesting that the Russians have seized on that circumstance as one of the ways to drive wedges into our society. The kind of political polarity that has developed in the US and other nations (as you point out) causes those societies to become somewhat dysfunctional.

Today, I don't think that any intelligent leader would think of world domination. As World War II demonstrated, the world's too big to manage. But if the western nations and their alliances are weakened, it would allow all kinds of mischief by Putin.

It's been observed numerous times that the next world war might not be fought on the battlefield but in cyberspace. It feels like the Russians have already begun. Has the US?

[justiceischeap]

4. Yes, with the Zero Hour virus used in Iran

along with Israel. If you can find it, watch the documentary called "Zero Hour." It scared the bejesus out of me.