sulphurdunn
sulphurdunn's JournalArctic Methane Releases
I need a scientific opinion. Since methane is much worse than carbon dioxide as a green house gas, would it make more sense, if feasible, to burn it off rather than letting it enter the atmosphere?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131125172113.htm
Cui Bono
I have become jaded. I admit it. I cannot bring myself to believe that the shutdown of government and the impending consequences to global financial markets and American credit is the result of a handful of ideological House nut jobs from safely gerrymandered districts. It is inconceivable to me that the rest of Congress and the President are unable to make these fools fold.
So, I ask myself, who benefits? Whenever I ask myself that question in regards to the antics of politicians, I assume the who are Wall Street financial interests. That parts easy. The why of it is obvious ($$$). The next question for me is how it profits them?
Ever wonder what's wrong with America?
Why the Jesus Party has shut down representative government and how an infomercial video may drive you to gibbering madness?
Did you know that the Bible is actually a book for investors? That Jesus was really a shrewd money changer who didn't love money and that the secret to amassing wealth is turn your reasoning powers over to a born again financial guru who will make you richer than Caesar for $97 and give you free stuff worth hundreds of dollars for doing it? Of course you do. After all, you know what the "prosperity gospel" is, and you've seen the "but wait there's more" commercials on late night TV. But did you know that God punishes those who do not take risk investments with their money? Well, then you need to be enlightened, and News Max is just the place to be enlightened.
Warning! The article reads like something co-produced by CNBC and the 700 Club. The video is long, more repetitive than a Ron Popeil pitch and may be psychologically damaging. Otherwise, it is a masterpiece of the art and symbolic of the Calvinist underpinnings of the religious right, it's hypocrisy, avarice and support for the Republican Party. I sat through the whole thing and am now going to get drunk. May the force be with you! 
http://www.smarterlifestyles.com/2013/07/17/what-the-bible-says-about-money-shocking/?fc_id=69011&fc_app_id=8081&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpoliticalwire.com%2Farchives%2F2013%2F10%2F12%2Fboehner_says_no_deal_with_white_house.html
Robot Warriors
Apparently, autonomous kill vehicles are on the Pentagon's plate. The pros and cons of this are, from a military perspective, many. What I noticed from the attached link to an article in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, was a very informative piece that addressed important ethical issues regarding robo war but which fails to address mundane matters of command and control.
A robot army would need a much smaller command and control structure to operate. Far fewer human personnel would be required in such a military. That translates into reduced personnel costs that can be diverted to technological development. It would also vastly increase the power and reduce the numbers of those able to wage war.
Robo soldiers would always follow their programed orders without ethical or emotional considerations. Such an armed force could be used against any foe foreign or domestic without fear of dissension or mutiny within the ranks by those controlling the political decisions and the technology.
An oft repeated concern over our professional military is that only a small fraction of the populace is directly affected by the waging of war. Robo soldiers would greater reduce even that fraction.
http://thebulletin.org/us-killer-robot-policy-full-speed-ahead
What if they gave an election
and nobody came? Would it change anything? Does voting do anything other than legitimize the status quo? What if millions of people chose not to vote and let it be known it was an act of conscience rather than apathy? Does the failure of the overwhelming majority to vote delegitimize the representation of a representative democracy? What would happen?
Data Mining Protects You?
For anyone who still thinks data mining is a valid government activity, please read the attached article. I was particularly impressed by the twisted judicial logic used to deny 1st Amendment rights to US citizens in this case while granting massive data collection authority for a fishing expedition by a private corporation.
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/07/11-3
Why I Now Support the Draft
"Few probably recall the name Dwight Elliott Stone. But even if his name has faded from the national memory, the man remains historically significant. That's because on June 30, 1973, the 24-year-old plumber's apprentice became the last American forced into the armed services before the military draft expired."
Any idea of a return to military conscription will be met with shock and derision by many people of all political persuasions, and for good reason. Having been a victim of the draft, I felt justice was done when it was abolished. No more, and for reasons I would have never imagined in 1973. I no longer believe that a free people can govern themselves under the shadow of a professional military.
http://inthesetimes.com/article/14976/the_militarys_40_year_experiment/
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