Update no.882

Update from the Sunland

No.882

26.11.18 – 2.12.18

Blog version:  http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

            To all,

            On Monday, 26.November.2018 at 11:52:59 [U] PST {14:52:59 [R] EST}, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) successfully landed the US$828M InSight Lander near Mars' equator on the western side of a flat, smooth expanse of lava called Elysium Planitia.  The Lander experienced 8 g’s of deceleration, as the spacecraft slowed from 20,000 kmh to 0 in less than seven minutes.  Touchdown ended the transit phase of the mission that began five months earlier, when the InSight spacecraft launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on the 5^thof May.

            JPL received the first confirmatory image just hours after landing with a protective lens cover still in place to allow the dust kicked up by the four landing rocket engines used in the final phase of landing to settle.  The lens cover has since been removed and the crisp images from Mars are magnificent.

            The InSight Lander is not a rover.  We will not see a change of scenery, sparse that it is at the landing site.  The purpose of the Lander is the scientific examination of the interior of the planet using various seismic devices, both passive and active, to monitor seismic waves from marsquakes and meteor strikes.

            Congratulations to the entire NASA team for this accomplishment.  We look forward to learning so much more about Mars.

            As a metric of the risks involved the InSight Lander mission is the eighth time that NASA has successfully landed a craft on Mars, with a success rate currently at about 40%--more failures than successes.

Footnote:

            Although he has not publicly claimed credit, yet, I imagine the BIC is telling everyone who will listen that he alone accomplished this grand feat of space exploration.

            Also, I shall unabashedly promote the National Geographic series MARS on television.  There are various sources.  The series is a notional depiction of what a manned mission to Mars might look like and how it might play out.  Promotion of the company SpaceX and the company’s CEO Elon Musk is mixed in, which has been done in a positive and contributory manner. I strongly recommend that every interested citizen should watch the program.

            The follow-up news items:

-- The BIC continues his relentless assault on the Free Press [881] with more of his ridiculous tweets.

“While CNN doesn’t do great in the United States based on ratings, outside of the U.S. they have very little competition. Throughout the world, CNN has a powerful voice portraying the United States in an unfair....”

11:47 AM - 26 Nov 2018

 . . . continued . . . 

“....and false way. Something has to be done, including the possibility of the United States starting our own Worldwide Network to show the World the way we really are, GREAT!”

11:47 AM - 26 Nov 2018

It is understandable that the BIC does not know the capabilities of the U.S. Government (USG), since he is not a good, conscientious, concerned, or curious student.  The United States has operated its state-owned and operated, worldwide, broadcast, communications network since at least 1949, and arguably since 1941 with the formation of the Office of the Coordinator of Information (COI), or 1942 when the Office of War Information (OWI) was carved out of COI to stand on its own as the USG broadcast mouthpiece.  The BIC continued to use words like unfair, fake, and such to denigrate the Free Press and especially CNN.  What the OSGOO has never and will never understand, or even appreciate is, he sees anything and everything as unfair when the information is critical of him.  So, if he does not like the CNN’s coverage of his OSG persona, he has his own propaganda network—pitch it all he wants. Trying to silence news outlets he does not like is what dictators do, not dignified presidents.  If the BIC wants better, more flattering news coverage, he should start behaving better instead of as the Bully-In-Chief and consummate Ugly American, and speaking the truth instead of the drivel he persists in spewing—his truthful hyperbole is neither; it is outright false—no matter how hard he tries to convince us to ignore the truth.

Footnote:

I do agree that most of us are great and good representatives of this Grand Republic. The BIC is NOT one of those. He is neither great nor a good representative of the United States; he has projected himself as the ultimate antithesis of good.

-- Since the OSGOO unilaterally imposed trade tariffs [839] on our adversaries, competitors and allies alike (well, except for those he favored), we have two positive signs for which the BIC deserves credit: 1.) revision of NAFTA to the renamed USMCA, which does not appear much different from NAFTA other than the new name; and 2.) a suspension of further tariff hikes for 90 days to allow negotiations on a potential solution with the PRC. There is movement toward reconciliation of trade disparities that have existed for decades. Congratulations to the BIC.

-- The happenings this week in the on-going Special Counsel investigation [804] are almost mind-numbing and too many to recount in this humble forum.  Not least of which, the Special Counsel craftily waited until he had the BIC’s written answers to his questions in hand before he made public the further charges against former OSGOO fixer Michael Cohen, to which he plead guilty. The charging document signed by the Special Counsel himself indicate the BIC & his cronies were in active negotiations with Russians well into the campaign—all of which the BIC denied categorically.  [Of course, we can always trust what the BIC proclaims.]  The Special Counsel also charged Paul Manafort of false testimony after he agreed to cooperate with the Special Counsel.  And, the BIC promptly dangled the potential of a presidential pardon for Manafort and others.  The noose just tightened a little more; it has to be feeling uncomfortable at this point.

            As an uncorroborated, unsubstantiated opinion, I suspect Manafort intentionally and with malice of forethought opted for a plea deal and cooperation to give the BIC and his lawyers a glimpse of what was going on inside the Special Counsel’s investigation.  I would not be surprised in the slightest if we eventually learn Manafort’s action were under guidance from the BIC or his cronies.

-- As more information comes to light in the Khashoggi assassination [839], the reality of what happened becomes clearer.  The BIC’s public equivocation added a disgusting highlight to the whole episode.  Then, the Secretary of State decided to add his voice to the tragedy.

“The U.S.-Saudi Partnership Is Vital – We don’t condone Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. But the kingdom is a powerful force for Mideast stability.”

by Mike Pompeo

Wall Street Journal

Published: Nov. 27, 2018; 6:46 p.m. ET

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-u-s-saudi-partnership-is-vital-1543362363

The message from the administration is quite clear.  To all the dictators and strongmen out there, you can murder whomever you wish, as along as you pay us sufficient money in contracts and other favors. This is not the United States the Framers & Founders envisioned two plus centuries ago.

-- The OSGOO canceled a planned meeting with his good buddy Vladimir Putin at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires over the weekend.  The reason offered was Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian naval ships and crews just days earlier.  Many argued the BIC should have taken the meeting and confronted Putin, but most of us recognize that was not an option for the OSGOO.

            The message delivered was, you did not pay sufficient tribute to the BIC to warrant an audience with the OSGOO.

Footnote:

            At least at this gathering of world leaders, the BIC did not embarrass himself and this Grand Republic like he did at the Helsinki conference.  I acknowledge that he actually tried to conduct himself as a proper president.

            Comments and contributions from Update no.881:

“The McRaven thing drives me nuts – did you see the article by Clark?  I think I saw it in the trib.  He was spot on in my view.”

My reply:

            There were myriad articles condemning the BIC for his juvenile attack on Admiral Bill McRaven, but I did not see one by Clark. All of the ones I’ve read are all against the BIC.  I’ve not found one in support of the OSGOO.

Comment to the Blog:

“The voters have indeed spoken on Brexit. They were ill-advised in the most literal sense of that term, and they might wish to speak again after learning more. What’s wrong with that?

“I only skimmed the transcribed interview with Chump.  Higher doses of him induce nausea in me. I read enough to horrify and enrage my Critical Thinking instructor.  I have come to believe that Critical Thinking ought to be taught beginning in about fourth grade to all students, not reserved for those privileged to attend college.  That would create an important resource for this nation.

“Attacks on names are an ancient tactic of the non-rational. A person’s or group’s name is literally their identity.  Chump does that regularly (and so do I, but only on the most nauseating targets).  In general, that’s why I’m one of the more thoroughly ‘politically correct’ people.

“You are correct that Chump does not support the military; he sees them as a handy tool to forward his personal (not our national) agenda.

“I agree with your assessment of the military readiness situation, at least to a degree.  What we need to look at in relation to the military budget is how it is allocated for different purposes.  Readiness and even manpower have lost their priority.  Stunts, stupidity, and parades waste money, but other uses blow even more.  We have, by far, the largest military budget in the world, but we’re not getting our money’s worth.  Even beyond that, the advent of cyber warfare and other means of conquest have lessened the likelihood of a traditional military war.

“I will go beyond your assessment of why people support Chump.  It’s not just that he’s not attacking them.  He soothes their (irrational) fears of ‘the others,’ (by attacking the others) whether that means other races, the other gender, or whatever ways people do not fit into the same in-group as those voters.

“We shall see whether Chump has destroyed Michael Avenatti as an opponent.  Avenatti’s business is in accusations and defenses against them, and he’s very skilled at it.”

My response to the Blog:

            The voters of the United Kingdom can do as they wish.  I suppose we can take the long view that nothing is irreparable.  After all, Hiroshima and Nagasaki are thriving cities today. Also, the Confederates States seceded from the Union, fought a terrible civil war, and yet returned to the Union as states in good standing today.  My point is, reversal at the moment of divorce will have serious negative consequences; thus, I feel it is better to put this behind them and move on, as I would advise in any personal divorce.  I think the original Brexit vote was emotional rather than logical or rational, quite akin to mob action in the heat of the moment. But, as you imply, nothing is irreversible other than death.

            I’m with you.  I am tended toward ignoring him.  We cannot trust a word he utters in any form.  There is nothing I can do to affect his behavior.  I shall have to trust others to hold him accountable.  I can only say I am highly unlikely to ever vote for him.  Good point on Critical Thinking; I agree, full stop.

            The BIC’s name-calling is juvenile . . . well . . . wait, I guess I just did it, didn’t I?  Just speaking, hearing or seeing his family name, or any version of his given names is nauseating to me.  He is such a despicable human being.  That said, I must recognize and acknowledge that he is the consummate, if not the ultimate, con man, snake-oil salesman, who has successfully seduced millions of good American citizens into believing his elixir is the cure-all for all that ails us.  I just cannot bring myself to speak his name anymore.

            The BIC & the military—spot on!  He has no understanding, set aside empathy, for the sacrifices they make to fill his pockets.

            I can accept your assessment of the military readiness situation.  I will add, like modern aircraft cockpit operations, our attraction to technology over basic skills appears to be misguided and induces unintended calamities.

            The politics of fear is not a new phenomenon. The technique has been used for millennia to affect human conduct.  I suppose what is most disappointing is the advent of pervasive and expansive communications, and information availability have not lessened the effectiveness and irrationality of the politics of fear.  Case in point, without Twitter, the BIC would have been far less effective in selling his snake-oil.

            Yes, we shall see.  As you say, Avenatti will likely remain effective as a defense attorney, but I suspect he is done as a potential political candidate. Chalk one up for the BIC.

 . . . Round two:

“I imagine the hope for Avenatti is in the environment that serves Chump.  Chump has said and done things publicly that would have destroyed any ordinary politician.  (I always think of his comment about shooting someone on Fifth Avenue, but examples abound.)  His base laps it up, and apparently, the rest of society lets it all go.”

 . . . my response to round two:

            Just a minor footnote, we are part of the rest of society and we have not let it go.  Further, we are not alone.  We will find out whether our numbers are sufficient to deny him a second term, if he should run.  Just an FYI to the footnote: I suspect he will offer some lame excuse to not stand for re-election.  President Johnson had the trauma of Vietnam; the BIC may well offer a myriad of reasons, in that he has accomplished more than he ever imagined—Secret Service security for life and the ultimate calling card for his “business deals.”  This whole charade has been about lining his pockets; he has succeeded beyond his wildest imagination.

 . . . Round three:

“I agree (still) with something I've seen lately in Stormy Daniels' book.  I suspect this whole mess began as a favor to his friends the Clintons and a lark.  Then the whole insane thing began to take off and his ego took over.  I doubt he ever had a planned endgame, but he has to be thinking about it by now.”

 . . . my response to round three:

            Such hypotheses are always intriguing. Like most mysteries, we may well never know the truth.  I certainly cannot eliminate that hypothesis.  In that, I am reminded of the Robert Redford movie The Candidate; the last line is: “Now what do I do?”  The BIC has always been winging it and does not know what a proper plan looks like.

Another contribution:

“What he probably WISHED he could have replied is Bin Ladin had no involvement in 911 and Obama didn’t have him killed as he was already dead. And many of the terrorists supposedly on the 911 planes were discovered to be alive and well in the Middle East on Sept 11, 2001. !!!

“Read Rebekah Roth or watch her on YouTube...

“Instead of concentrating on Trump bashing you might spend some time researching!!”

My reply:

            Holy moly, Batwoman!  This sounds like more Alex Jones conspiracy crap. Rebekah Roth may not be a disciple of Alex Jones, but her Israelis caused 9/11 contention is more cornball conspiracy crap in the vein of Alex Jones.  I will not waste my precious time with such nonsense. You are free to believe what you wish, as am I.  The physical evidence absolutely refutes Roth’s meaningless rantings.  The notion that bin Laden was not involved in 9/11 is quite comparable to saying Hitler was not involved in the Holocaust, or Charlie Manson was not involved in the Tate-LaBianca murders.  And now, you are apparently claiming the body-cam video of the SEAL Team 6 raid on the bin Laben compound in Islamabad, Pakistan, was fake . . . made up like the Moon landings?  Wow!

            I am not bashing the BIC.  He does that all by himself with his outright false and outrageous statements, with no assistance from me.  “Little Adam Schitt” really?  That is behavior worthy of the Office of the President, worthy of We, the People, of this Grand Republic, or worthy of someone who is supposed to be the leader of the free world?  You may find it perfectly acceptable for the BIC to shoot someone on Fifth Avenue.  I do not!  When evidence is presented that he has violated the law, I will urge and argue vehemently for him to be impeached, convicted, ejected from Office, indicted, charged, tried, convicted and imprisoned in total isolation, so we do not have to hear another word from him, and he lives as long as possible in his narcissistic, egocentric misery without contaminating another human life, starved of the adoration he so desperately seeks and needs.  Until that evidence is made available to We, the People, I will continue to support the Office he was elected to hold and criticize his bad behavior absolutely unworthy of the Office he holds.  There are very real, tangible, palpable reasons that hate crimes have exploded exponentially in our society in the last two years, and all those reasons point to one, singular source—the OSGOO.  You apparently see him as savior; I see him as a very bad man, who is doing perhaps irreparable damage to this Grand Republic.

            ‘Nuf said.

            My very best wishes to all.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

Cheers,

Cap                        :-)