Rupert Murdoch's bully pulpit.

This action appears to be outright subversion and borders on incitement of violence. Congress has a duty to investigate this and take punitive actions against Russia and any other international actors if the allegations are solid.

If we allow this to continue, they will infiltrate every aspect of our lives, even if in subtle ways to keep us angry and divided.

Vetter: Place your left hand on this copy of The Art of the Deal and raise you right hand.
Vettee: OK.
Vetter: Do you solemnly swear you will dedicate your entire life, soul, youngest girl-child, property and money to King Trump, never disagree with or cross Him, never criticize or defame Him, never look at his women, never make fun of His hair or hands, never beat Him in golf, and vow to make the annual King's ritual worship ceremony at Trump Tower on Christmas Eve?
Vettee: I do.
Vetter: By the power vested in me by Lord Steve Bannon, you are now vetted. You may now kiss the King's left shoe, then get your ass to work.

They most certainly are familiar with the problems surrounding high-profile cases, including threats. One would think they would have protective assets in place such as phone monitoring and personal security.

I hope so because they don't need serious distractions from their duty.

Essentially, Facebook is providing political parties with free campaign data just to sell them targeted space.

In addition, if I recall correctly, the ads sold did not have info stating that they were paid political ads or info on who paid for them.

How the hell do they collect this much exacting data on its users? Do people actually divulge this much info on themselves when they sign up, or is it collected based on usage info?

Disclaimer: I don't use Facebook.

I have not seen an ounce of effort toward anti-globalism other than hot air. Even those elected on that basis eventually succumb to the lobbyists, special favors and campaign funds.

Globalism is one of the foundation stones of the GOP, with huge support from multinational corporations and hedge funds, and international media companies.

I seems that big money always wins, in the end.

Is this your typical Rethug or what?

Spewing hatred and telling gross lies in a house of worship is a GOP norm, it seems. All endorsed by (their) Gawd.

The Gingrichian-Rand Church of Prosperity!

Thanks for reminding me of that documentary. I followed her story for a while, when the film was till in development - but forgot it. I don't have streaming video and have low internet bandwidth, so I'm going to order it on DVD (it's linked to Amazon for $25). I can also watch it at a friend's house on one of the streaming services.

For those not aware of it, see: http://www.thebrainwashingofmydad.com/

Sadly, I don't even go "home" to TN anymore, as it's a sea of blood-red bullshit. I've lost contact with all of my 1965 classmates because of that dilemma. It's sickening and un-American the way they've divided us. So, I feel your pain!

and finally be willing to look at the emotional impacts of my actions, rather than just the immediate obvious results.

That's still a challenge today (at 70), but at least I'm aware.

Rupert Murdoch (News Corp./Fox) and talk radio owners have known this psychology for many decades and have used it very effectively. A normal, mentally healthy and well-educated populace would have discredited their dogma from the beginning and they would not have survived. They also use additional tools such as sex appeal, sensationalism and consumerism to maintain an audience.

Our primitive brain succumbs to repetition and all the while our modern brain tries to fight that with facts, logic and reason. Makes for a discomforting, unconscious, continuous internal mental battle. Those of us on the "truth" side feel the pain. Those who are in the right-wing bubble are quite comfortable because they are not exposed to counter-facts, logic and reason.

If we could get all Congress critters that took Norquist's anti-tax pledge to take a Pro-Truth Pledge referenced in that article (and be faithful to it), we might have a functioning government again.

See: https://www.protruthpledge.org/

I am a dreamer, LOL.