Back in April, one "outlaw cowboy" in Bunkerville decided to wage a "Range War" against the federal government. So he gathered an army of fellow "outlaw cowboys" to point guns at federal agents and back up traffic on The 15. And the rest is history...
Except it's also still happening. Over the weekend, the Southern Poverty Law Center checked in on "The Bundy Files" and uncovered no legal action against Cliven Bundy or any of his accomplices. Neither the feds nor local authorities have stepped up as of yet, though both claim investigations are still underway.
So now, Bundy is enjoying the celebrity life as he accepts speaking engagements, media interviews, and even invitations to appear in campaign ads. Yep, he's actually going there.
Never mind he and his cohort pointed guns at federal agents. Never mind he's still palling around with his buddies in the sovereign citizen gang and the Patriot Movement. And never mind that he still owes the feds over $1,000,000 in back owed taxes and fines while he continues to trespass on federally owned land.
For now, let's return to Bundy's "sovereign" and "patriot themed" buddies. Remember them? They just have an extensive history of resorting to whatever means necessary to overthrow our duly elected government.
Remember when #BundyRanch was not just trending on Twitter, but was also attracting "sovereign" warriors from across the nation? One of them happened to be one Jerad Miller. Remember him? He & his wife just shot two Metro Police Officers and a third victim dead before they shot themselves to "start the revolution".
Even before #BundyRanch exploded onto the national media's radar, "sovereign citizen" inspired criminal activity was on the rise. But since Cliven Bundy has taken to the national stage to legitimize this fringe "movement", we've been witnessing even more "sovereign" activity across the nation.
Last month, a sniper opened fire on a Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Pike County. Trooper Alex Douglass was critically injured in the attack. Corporal Byron Dickson was shot dead.
Investigators soon found an abandoned Jeep Cherokee nearby containing the Social Security card belonging to Eric Frein. The Jeep was then traced to Frein's parents. Eric Frein is now the sole suspect in this attack. Pennsylvania State Police is in an active manhunt for Frein, and the FBI recently added Frein to its "Ten Most Wanted" list.
Surprise, surprise, Eric Frein is a "sovereign citizen". Who could have guessed another one would attack law enforcement?
Yet even though they deny their role in promoting him, a slew of prominent Nevada Republicans refuse to actually condemn Cliven Bundy's free range lawlessness. And because calling this what it is has somehow become "controversial", the federal response has been awfully slow... Perhaps too slow.
And so for the time being, we're stuck with the Bundy Family Circus. And no, we're not laughing.
Showing posts with label national security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label national security. Show all posts
Monday, October 20, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Fringe Is Still Their "Mainstream"
(It's amazing to think that just 6 months ago, a whole bunch of Nevada Republicans, along with G-O-TEA "opinion makers" from across the nation, were actually encouraging armed insurrection against our federal government. But yes, it happened. And no matter how much Adam Laxalt, Michele Fiore, Cresent Hardy, and Nevada Republican Party media spinners want to forget their #BundyRanch debacle, we remember.
So as we commemorate the 6 month anniversary of the start of Cliven Bundy's "Range War" against the rule of law, let's dig into the Nevada Progressive archives and travel back to April 2014 so we can uncover the truth behind all the Nevada G-O-TEA denials we see today.)
Once upon a time, this was merely an oddball case out in a rural corner of Southern Nevada. Not all that long ago, hardly anyone outside the Virgin Valley knew who Cliven Bundy was. He was just the local outlaw rancher who was running his cattle onto federal property (and far beyond designated grazing territory) without paying his fees.
Once upon a time, this was merely a local embarrassment. But now, the Nevada Republican Party has taken up Cliven Bundy's (illegal) cause. And the Koch-topus has taken up this cause and broadcasted it on G-O-TEA media networks nationwide. And the entire world is looking at our state and wondering what the hell we're smoking.
Welcome to Nevada. In our state's Republican Party, fringe is the new mainstream. In this party, Sue Wagner is ostracized to the point of severing ties altogether while Cliven Bundy is celebrated to the point of being declared some sort of outlaw "folk hero".
However, it's no longer just the Nevada Republican Party. It's nationwide. #BundyRanch has been trending nationwide for nearly three weeks. And it's become the latest & greatest cause celebre for G-O-TEA politicians nationwide.
Just a decade ago, the Bush Administration would have used the "domestic terrorist" label to describe the Bundy Gang. But now that Senator Harry Reid (D) is employing the same definition of "domestic terrorism" that Former President George W. Bush used while he was in The White House, G-O-TEA media personalities are feigning "OUTRAGE!!!" while they spread more (already debunked) conspiracy theories about his alleged role in #BundyRanch.
Welcome to the Republican Party of 2014. There, fringe is the new mainstream. Since Sean Hannity has officially declared his undying love & admiration for Cliven Bundy and his merry gang of (fellow) outlaws, G-O-TEA politicians must follow his lead. And more importantly, since the Koch Empire is all in for #BundyRanch, G-O-TEA politicians from across the nation have been endorsing the Bundy Gang's calls for anarchy at gunpoint.
Once upon a time, the Republican Party was known as the "law & order party". Now, it's become the "outlaw & chaos party". Fringe is the new mainstream. And the crazier one sounds, the better chance one has of winning a G-O-TEA primary.
So as we commemorate the 6 month anniversary of the start of Cliven Bundy's "Range War" against the rule of law, let's dig into the Nevada Progressive archives and travel back to April 2014 so we can uncover the truth behind all the Nevada G-O-TEA denials we see today.)
Once upon a time, this was merely an oddball case out in a rural corner of Southern Nevada. Not all that long ago, hardly anyone outside the Virgin Valley knew who Cliven Bundy was. He was just the local outlaw rancher who was running his cattle onto federal property (and far beyond designated grazing territory) without paying his fees.
Once upon a time, this was merely a local embarrassment. But now, the Nevada Republican Party has taken up Cliven Bundy's (illegal) cause. And the Koch-topus has taken up this cause and broadcasted it on G-O-TEA media networks nationwide. And the entire world is looking at our state and wondering what the hell we're smoking.
Welcome to Nevada. In our state's Republican Party, fringe is the new mainstream. In this party, Sue Wagner is ostracized to the point of severing ties altogether while Cliven Bundy is celebrated to the point of being declared some sort of outlaw "folk hero".
However, it's no longer just the Nevada Republican Party. It's nationwide. #BundyRanch has been trending nationwide for nearly three weeks. And it's become the latest & greatest cause celebre for G-O-TEA politicians nationwide.
Just a decade ago, the Bush Administration would have used the "domestic terrorist" label to describe the Bundy Gang. But now that Senator Harry Reid (D) is employing the same definition of "domestic terrorism" that Former President George W. Bush used while he was in The White House, G-O-TEA media personalities are feigning "OUTRAGE!!!" while they spread more (already debunked) conspiracy theories about his alleged role in #BundyRanch.
Welcome to the Republican Party of 2014. There, fringe is the new mainstream. Since Sean Hannity has officially declared his undying love & admiration for Cliven Bundy and his merry gang of (fellow) outlaws, G-O-TEA politicians must follow his lead. And more importantly, since the Koch Empire is all in for #BundyRanch, G-O-TEA politicians from across the nation have been endorsing the Bundy Gang's calls for anarchy at gunpoint.
Once upon a time, the Republican Party was known as the "law & order party". Now, it's become the "outlaw & chaos party". Fringe is the new mainstream. And the crazier one sounds, the better chance one has of winning a G-O-TEA primary.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Scandalmania Redux
(We've been hearing a whole lot lately about all sorts of scandals: some somewhat legitimate, some totally not. So while we're enduring yet another round of "Scandalmania", we might as well jump into the Nevada Progressive archives and revisit this piece from May 2013 on the most dangerous scandal of our time. Why aren't we having any grueling House hearings on this?)
This should really be obvious. Yet because too many in the Republican Party are taking their queues from the 21st Century Know Nothings instead of reality, we'll have to explain this yet again. No, wait, I'll let Jamelle Bouie explain this.
As we discussed yesterday and again this morning, far too many Republicans in Congress seem quite comfortable with the idea of using the latest haute faux scandals as (even more) excuses to kill comprehensive immigration reform this year and destroy whatever possibility is left of them actually trying to govern at all. It's still too early to determine whether this actually happens on Capitol Hill. But now, it's definitely entering the realm of possibility as the G-O-TEA base seems hellbent on repeating the follies of 1998.
Yet while Scandal-mania continues to approach a fever pitch on Capitol Hill, the real scandal continues to torment our planet and our people. Earlier today, the world's top climate scientist spoke to BBC Radio 4 on the greatest global security threat of our time. And yes, it's not going away any time soon.
If anything, recent developments in the Arctic region and the horrifying broken 400 ppm milestone point to accelerating climate change. And that should frighten all of us. This is the real scandal that threatens humanity, not the petty bullshit dominating Congressional hearings and Beltway punditry circle jerks right now.
This week, we've also been reminded that 97% of scientists agree that climate change is human induced. It's not that often when 97% of scientists agree on anything. So yes, this is a huge deal.
And that's today's reminder of reality brought to you by the Department of the Completely Fucking Obvious. Oh, and in case any one is still wondering why this matters, here's another reminder from Mother Nature (& the USGS).
So what will it be? Will we let the latest bout of Scandal-mania cloud our better judgment? Or will we finally act on solving the real scandal facing us?
This should really be obvious. Yet because too many in the Republican Party are taking their queues from the 21st Century Know Nothings instead of reality, we'll have to explain this yet again. No, wait, I'll let Jamelle Bouie explain this.
As time progresses and these scandals begin to die down, the odds that Republicans will capture some advantage diminish. Moreover, there’s a chance this scandal fever will backfire and harm the GOP’s standing. Already, Republican officials are warning against scandal overreach, and conservative elites are warning that these controversies — even if they’re substantive — aren’t a substitute for an actual plan to govern. “Democratic scandal does not take the place of a Republican agenda,” writes the National Review, “a purely negative message, however justified, will not produce the governing majority Republicans should be aiming for in the next two elections.”
Republicans should heed this message, because it’s exactly correct. Odds are good Americans won’t remember this eighteen months from now, and so — instead of trying to keep it floating as long as possible — Republicans should work to offer a real, workable policy agenda alternative to the public. As evidenced by the current impasse over immigration and the budget, it’s clear that the GOP still has a lot of work to do on that front.
As we discussed yesterday and again this morning, far too many Republicans in Congress seem quite comfortable with the idea of using the latest haute faux scandals as (even more) excuses to kill comprehensive immigration reform this year and destroy whatever possibility is left of them actually trying to govern at all. It's still too early to determine whether this actually happens on Capitol Hill. But now, it's definitely entering the realm of possibility as the G-O-TEA base seems hellbent on repeating the follies of 1998.
Yet while Scandal-mania continues to approach a fever pitch on Capitol Hill, the real scandal continues to torment our planet and our people. Earlier today, the world's top climate scientist spoke to BBC Radio 4 on the greatest global security threat of our time. And yes, it's not going away any time soon.
Suggestions that global warming has stalled are a "diversionary tactic" from "deniers" who want the public to be confused over climate change, according to the world's best-known climate scientist. Professor James Hansen, who first alerted the world to climate change in 1988, said on Friday: "It is not true that the temperature has not changed in the two decades." [...]
Prof. Hansen said the focus by some on "details" was a smokescreen. "This is a diversionary tactic. Our understanding of global warming and human-made climate change has not been affected at all," he said. "It's because the deniers [of the science] want the public to be confused. They raise these minor issues and then we forget about what the main story is. The main story is carbon dioxide is going up and it is going to produce a climate which is going to have dramatic changes if we don't begin to reduce our emissions." In 2008, scientists anticipated an upcoming slowing in temperature rises.
Prof. Hansen, who recently stepped down from his NASA post after almost 50 years to focus on communication, said the forecast impact of climate change was little affected by the recent slowdown in the rate of rising temperatures.
"Climate is a complicated system but there is no change at all in our understanding of climate sensitivity [to carbon dioxide] and where the climate is headed," he said. "Our understanding of sensitivity is based on the Earth's history, not on climate models, and we have good data on how the Earth responded in the past when carbon dioxide changed. So there is no reason to change the forecast for the long term." On 9 May, a new study of lake sediments from a remote meteorite crater in Siberia showed temperatures in the region were 8C higher the last time CO2 levels were as high as they are today. Last week, atmospheric CO2 concentrations reached the milestone 400 parts per million [ppm], for the first time in millions of years.
If anything, recent developments in the Arctic region and the horrifying broken 400 ppm milestone point to accelerating climate change. And that should frighten all of us. This is the real scandal that threatens humanity, not the petty bullshit dominating Congressional hearings and Beltway punditry circle jerks right now.
This week, we've also been reminded that 97% of scientists agree that climate change is human induced. It's not that often when 97% of scientists agree on anything. So yes, this is a huge deal.
And that's today's reminder of reality brought to you by the Department of the Completely Fucking Obvious. Oh, and in case any one is still wondering why this matters, here's another reminder from Mother Nature (& the USGS).
A new U.S. Geological Survey study finds, “Warmer spring temperatures since 1980 are causing an estimated 20 percent loss of snow cover across the Rocky Mountains of western North America.” The USGS explains, “The new study builds upon a previous USGS snowpack investigation which showed that, until the 1980s, the northern Rocky Mountains experienced large snowpacks when the central and southern Rockies experienced meager ones, and vice versa. Yet, since the 1980s, there have been simultaneous snowpack declines along the entire length of the Rocky Mountains, and unusually severe declines in the north.” [...] What’s most worrisome is that we now have three major trends driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases that threaten to significantly worsen drought and water problems in the West and Southwest: Less precipitation in many areas Less snowpack, as the USGS studies have found Hotter temperaturesLast November, we observed the havoc climate change is already causing Rural Northern Nevada as farms & ranches are forced to confront continued drought. Expect even more of this as the climate crisis worsens. And expect even more of the state to be affected as we witness even more drought and extreme weather. This should really be a "no-brainer". We must act for our own survival. And we must act to strengthen our economy! We win if we finally act on replacing our fossil fuel addiction with a green, renewable future. We lose if we continue to let our fossil fuel addiction cloud our better judgment.
So what will it be? Will we let the latest bout of Scandal-mania cloud our better judgment? Or will we finally act on solving the real scandal facing us?
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Change the Trajectory
$91 million. That's no number to laugh at. Actually, that's how much the US Forest Service has spent so far in fighting the King Fire.
Recent rain in Northern California has helped firefighters contain the massive wildfire in recent days. Yet while damper weather has helped firefighters lately, drier and warmer weather is just around the corner. And that means the region will once again be at risk for more wildfires.
And that's not all. Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River have been drying up throughout the summer.
While Lake Tahoe hasn't reached a record low just yet, it's too close for comfort.
However down south, Lake Mead has fallen to a record low water level. This means Southern Nevada is perilously close to a new round of water cuts. And this may not even be the end of it. In fact, this may only be the start of a prolonged "megadrought" for the entire Southwest region.
Any guesses as to what's making this painful drought into a perilous "megadrought"? If you guessed climate change, you're likely correct. A recent Stanford University study funded by the National Science Foundation just confirmed what we've been fearing.
Earlier this month, Cornell University, the University of Arizona, and the US Geological Survey released a study showing how nearly the entire West, along with the southern Great Plains states, Texas, and Louisiana, are all at great risk of an extended megadrought going forward due to climate change. Scared yet? We should be.
We also need to realize what we must do to both adapt to this new reality and prevent our own extinction. It may be "radical", but it's pretty much our only hope. Global carbon emissions just hit a new record high. We must change this trajectory, or else the $91 million spent fighting the King Fire will soon be a mere drop in the bucket.
Recent rain in Northern California has helped firefighters contain the massive wildfire in recent days. Yet while damper weather has helped firefighters lately, drier and warmer weather is just around the corner. And that means the region will once again be at risk for more wildfires.
And that's not all. Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River have been drying up throughout the summer.
While Lake Tahoe hasn't reached a record low just yet, it's too close for comfort.
However down south, Lake Mead has fallen to a record low water level. This means Southern Nevada is perilously close to a new round of water cuts. And this may not even be the end of it. In fact, this may only be the start of a prolonged "megadrought" for the entire Southwest region.
Any guesses as to what's making this painful drought into a perilous "megadrought"? If you guessed climate change, you're likely correct. A recent Stanford University study funded by the National Science Foundation just confirmed what we've been fearing.
Earlier this month, Cornell University, the University of Arizona, and the US Geological Survey released a study showing how nearly the entire West, along with the southern Great Plains states, Texas, and Louisiana, are all at great risk of an extended megadrought going forward due to climate change. Scared yet? We should be.
We also need to realize what we must do to both adapt to this new reality and prevent our own extinction. It may be "radical", but it's pretty much our only hope. Global carbon emissions just hit a new record high. We must change this trajectory, or else the $91 million spent fighting the King Fire will soon be a mere drop in the bucket.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Fully Loaded Danger
Ready to learn? Isn't that how we want our children to feel when they go to school?
Try explaining that to Leonard Embody... Or maybe not. The Tennessee open carry activist says people who are offended by his carrying of an assault weapon just outside a Nashville school should "see a psychologist".
WSMV Channel 4
Actually, he may force some of the kids at that school to seek counseling. After all, wouldn't you be at least a little scared if you saw someone like Leonard Embody pack heat right outside your school?
There have been at least 79 school shootings since Newtown. One of those school shootings was right here in Nevada, at Sparks Middle School. Contrary to what open carry radicals like Leonard Embody say, this is no laughing matter.
Just so far this year, there have been 98 homicides in Las Vegas Metro Police's area of jurisdiction. Our homicide rate is the highest it's been since 2006.
Even Metro itself has been affected by this. In June, Las Vegas Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were shot dead by extreme right-wing Patriot Movement figures Amanda & Jerad Miller. They also shot dead Joseph Robert Wilcox before they killed themselves.
Jerad Miller may have obtained a gun via Facebook. Even though he was not legally permitted to own any firearms (due to past felony convictions), Miller was able to evade this because of the lack of universal background checks for gun purchases.
All too often, the NRA and its favorite G-O-TEA politicians have been all too willing to play silly games with the serious issue of gun violence. They think it's cute to grandstand with a bunch of "outlaw cowboys" pointing guns at federal agents. They think it's great to see people open carry in front of schools. They think it's more important to discuss the "philosophy of gun rights" and explore theoretical language than to actually make any real policy changes that could save lives.
This is why Leonard Embody is allowed to roam outside a Nashville school packing heat. This is why Las Vegas' homicide rate continues to inch upward. This is why Alyn Beck, Igor Soldo, and Joseph Robert Wilcox are no longer on this earth. This is why Sparks Middle School will never be the same. And this is why we can't afford to ignore the fully loaded danger around us.
Try explaining that to Leonard Embody... Or maybe not. The Tennessee open carry activist says people who are offended by his carrying of an assault weapon just outside a Nashville school should "see a psychologist".
WSMV Channel 4
Actually, he may force some of the kids at that school to seek counseling. After all, wouldn't you be at least a little scared if you saw someone like Leonard Embody pack heat right outside your school?
There have been at least 79 school shootings since Newtown. One of those school shootings was right here in Nevada, at Sparks Middle School. Contrary to what open carry radicals like Leonard Embody say, this is no laughing matter.
Just so far this year, there have been 98 homicides in Las Vegas Metro Police's area of jurisdiction. Our homicide rate is the highest it's been since 2006.
Even Metro itself has been affected by this. In June, Las Vegas Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were shot dead by extreme right-wing Patriot Movement figures Amanda & Jerad Miller. They also shot dead Joseph Robert Wilcox before they killed themselves.
Jerad Miller may have obtained a gun via Facebook. Even though he was not legally permitted to own any firearms (due to past felony convictions), Miller was able to evade this because of the lack of universal background checks for gun purchases.
All too often, the NRA and its favorite G-O-TEA politicians have been all too willing to play silly games with the serious issue of gun violence. They think it's cute to grandstand with a bunch of "outlaw cowboys" pointing guns at federal agents. They think it's great to see people open carry in front of schools. They think it's more important to discuss the "philosophy of gun rights" and explore theoretical language than to actually make any real policy changes that could save lives.
This is why Leonard Embody is allowed to roam outside a Nashville school packing heat. This is why Las Vegas' homicide rate continues to inch upward. This is why Alyn Beck, Igor Soldo, and Joseph Robert Wilcox are no longer on this earth. This is why Sparks Middle School will never be the same. And this is why we can't afford to ignore the fully loaded danger around us.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Radical Change
It's still dry out here. Sure, we've occasionally had storms drop some rain on us. However, we're still operating on a serious precipitation deficit.
And it's not over yet. Far from it, Nevada will likely endure another year of drought. This drought has caused a world of trouble for Nevada and the entire West. And it now looks like we must prepare for another year of Lake Mead & Lake Tahoe shrinking while wildfires burn across the state.
It's become increasingly undeniable that climate change is taking its toll on Nevada along with the rest of the world. So why aren't more people making noise?
But wait, there actually were about 400,000 people making noise in New York City on Sunday. And that was just one of the People's Climate March events happening in over 150 nations this week. And yet, you may not have even heard about it until now.
So why did the Sunday talk shows only barely mention this? After all, it was happening in their own back yard.
Even though many media pundits continue to ignore the perils of climate change, a number of captains of industry are now speaking up and making change happen. This isn't some "fringe movement". This is a very real statement on a very real threat to all of us.
As they always do, the usual G-O-TEA suspects were trashing last weekend's march while decrying "the radical left" for demanding "radical change". But you know what? If we want to survive, we must embrace radical change and do so soon. Hell, most American voters are now realizing this. So why shouldn't we start implementing the radical changes we need to save ourselves and our children's future on this planet?
This week, the United Nations is holding another climate summit. This time, it's in New York. And this is why we're seeing so much direct action in New York this week.
It's amazing that roughly 400,000 people took to the streets of Manhattan on Sunday demanding climate action. And it's amazing to think a number of those people are staying for further actions. However, this is not enough. They can't be the only ones to act.
Ultimately, we must all act. And yes, we must all begin making radical changes soon. We can't afford to delay any longer. If we need any further reason to act, all we must do is open the door.
And it's not over yet. Far from it, Nevada will likely endure another year of drought. This drought has caused a world of trouble for Nevada and the entire West. And it now looks like we must prepare for another year of Lake Mead & Lake Tahoe shrinking while wildfires burn across the state.
It's become increasingly undeniable that climate change is taking its toll on Nevada along with the rest of the world. So why aren't more people making noise?
But wait, there actually were about 400,000 people making noise in New York City on Sunday. And that was just one of the People's Climate March events happening in over 150 nations this week. And yet, you may not have even heard about it until now.
So why did the Sunday talk shows only barely mention this? After all, it was happening in their own back yard.
Even though many media pundits continue to ignore the perils of climate change, a number of captains of industry are now speaking up and making change happen. This isn't some "fringe movement". This is a very real statement on a very real threat to all of us.
As they always do, the usual G-O-TEA suspects were trashing last weekend's march while decrying "the radical left" for demanding "radical change". But you know what? If we want to survive, we must embrace radical change and do so soon. Hell, most American voters are now realizing this. So why shouldn't we start implementing the radical changes we need to save ourselves and our children's future on this planet?
This week, the United Nations is holding another climate summit. This time, it's in New York. And this is why we're seeing so much direct action in New York this week.
It's amazing that roughly 400,000 people took to the streets of Manhattan on Sunday demanding climate action. And it's amazing to think a number of those people are staying for further actions. However, this is not enough. They can't be the only ones to act.
Ultimately, we must all act. And yes, we must all begin making radical changes soon. We can't afford to delay any longer. If we need any further reason to act, all we must do is open the door.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Denial Is Not an Option.
Yesterday, Washoe County School District had to cancel all outdoor events. The smoke even became that thick in Reno.
The King Fire has spread to over 18,000 acres. It's still only 5% contained. A portion Highway 50 between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe is now closed. And over 1,600 homes are threatened in El Dorado County, California.
Once again, a wildfire is hitting Northern California and Northern Nevada quite hard. And this has been quite the gruesome Western Wildfire season in 2014. Washington State's wildfire season has been 6 times worse than normal this year. Yosemite just endured a major wildfire. Even the sub-arctic forests of Canada have experienced wildfires like never seen before.
Perhaps now is finally the perfect time to talk about climate change... And climate solutions? We have a growing pile of evidence showing how climate change is worsening wildfire season. How much more evidence do we need?
Last month, House Republicans actually decided to skip town for Congress' August recess without even allowing a floor vote on bipartisan wildfire aid legislation. And of course, G-O-TEA hotheads on both sides of The Capitol are still complaining about President Obama's recent executive actions on climate change.
The smoke in Reno has officially reached an unhealthful level this morning. More evacuation orders may soon be coming to El Dorado County. A growing swath of terrain from the Sacramento exurbs to the Truckee Meadows is now feeling the effects of this latest huge wildfire.
We can't deny it's happening. That's no way to fight a wildfire. So why are so many of our elected "leaders" still denying the climate change that's fueling more of these epic infernos?
The King Fire has spread to over 18,000 acres. It's still only 5% contained. A portion Highway 50 between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe is now closed. And over 1,600 homes are threatened in El Dorado County, California.
Once again, a wildfire is hitting Northern California and Northern Nevada quite hard. And this has been quite the gruesome Western Wildfire season in 2014. Washington State's wildfire season has been 6 times worse than normal this year. Yosemite just endured a major wildfire. Even the sub-arctic forests of Canada have experienced wildfires like never seen before.
Perhaps now is finally the perfect time to talk about climate change... And climate solutions? We have a growing pile of evidence showing how climate change is worsening wildfire season. How much more evidence do we need?
Last month, House Republicans actually decided to skip town for Congress' August recess without even allowing a floor vote on bipartisan wildfire aid legislation. And of course, G-O-TEA hotheads on both sides of The Capitol are still complaining about President Obama's recent executive actions on climate change.
The smoke in Reno has officially reached an unhealthful level this morning. More evacuation orders may soon be coming to El Dorado County. A growing swath of terrain from the Sacramento exurbs to the Truckee Meadows is now feeling the effects of this latest huge wildfire.
We can't deny it's happening. That's no way to fight a wildfire. So why are so many of our elected "leaders" still denying the climate change that's fueling more of these epic infernos?
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Let's Talk Tesla
It's August, so we're spending the month time traveling. Today, we're heading back to this past April. Then, several states (including Nevada) were chasing after a new Tesla battery gigafactory.
Amidst all the talk of "Cleantech Crash", even Red States like Arizona and Texas were rushing to lure in Tesla and all those allegedly nonexistent green collar jobs. And now, rumor has it that Nevada, Texas, and California are the finalists for the gigafactory.
Excitement is obviously running high, especially in the Reno area. If Nevada is selected for the gigafactory, Tesla is expected to place it in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Park in Storey County (17 miles east of Sparks). Already, speculation is running rampant over a possible special session of the Nevada Legislature being called to address the $400-500 million Tesla executives expect the winning state to chip in to build the gigafactory. (It may happen if Tesla guarantees Nevada the gigafactory, though Legislature leaders don't sound all that excited just yet.)
So why are so many people so excited about Tesla? Consider this: Electric car sales have soared over 70% both in the US and in Europe just over the past year. Over the past 3 years, electric & hybrid car battery sales have tripled. And now that mostly electric hybrid and completely electric cars are starting to enter the automotive mainstream, the growth potential for this sector is looking quite attractive.
And then, there's this. Tesla and other electric car manufacturers are pieces of the puzzle that illustrates our energy future. Tesla, General Motors, and the US Military have all been investing in the research and development of longer lasting batteries. In recent months, Tesla has teamed up with SolarCity to work on solar power storage for commercial buildings. And global investment in renewable energy just hit a 5 quarter high as new projects have emerged from Denmark & Germany to the UK & China to Wyoming & South Carolina (!!!).
So why again are we supposed to believe "we can't afford" meaningful action on climate change? If anything, we can't afford the very real life-threatening (& economy busting) perils of climate change. Meanwhile, we have all these very real economic opportunitiesclimate action.
So what gives? The usual (fossil fuel peddling) suspects are threatened by the future by renewable energy. They're feeling threatened by the progress of Tesla and other electric cars. And they're threatened by the ramifications of aggressive climate action.
Ironically, they don't care about the ramifications of unchecked climate change. They don't care about human survival. They're simply putting short term profits over long term peril.
In the coming days, Nevada Government leaders will need to figure out just how badly they want Tesla's gigafactory in Storey County. But wherever it ultimately lands, it may very well provide glimmers of hope for a brighter future. And Tesla shouldn't be alone in investing in clean energy technology.
Amidst all the talk of "Cleantech Crash", even Red States like Arizona and Texas were rushing to lure in Tesla and all those allegedly nonexistent green collar jobs. And now, rumor has it that Nevada, Texas, and California are the finalists for the gigafactory.
Excitement is obviously running high, especially in the Reno area. If Nevada is selected for the gigafactory, Tesla is expected to place it in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Park in Storey County (17 miles east of Sparks). Already, speculation is running rampant over a possible special session of the Nevada Legislature being called to address the $400-500 million Tesla executives expect the winning state to chip in to build the gigafactory. (It may happen if Tesla guarantees Nevada the gigafactory, though Legislature leaders don't sound all that excited just yet.)
So why are so many people so excited about Tesla? Consider this: Electric car sales have soared over 70% both in the US and in Europe just over the past year. Over the past 3 years, electric & hybrid car battery sales have tripled. And now that mostly electric hybrid and completely electric cars are starting to enter the automotive mainstream, the growth potential for this sector is looking quite attractive.
And then, there's this. Tesla and other electric car manufacturers are pieces of the puzzle that illustrates our energy future. Tesla, General Motors, and the US Military have all been investing in the research and development of longer lasting batteries. In recent months, Tesla has teamed up with SolarCity to work on solar power storage for commercial buildings. And global investment in renewable energy just hit a 5 quarter high as new projects have emerged from Denmark & Germany to the UK & China to Wyoming & South Carolina (!!!).
So why again are we supposed to believe "we can't afford" meaningful action on climate change? If anything, we can't afford the very real life-threatening (& economy busting) perils of climate change. Meanwhile, we have all these very real economic opportunitiesclimate action.
So what gives? The usual (fossil fuel peddling) suspects are threatened by the future by renewable energy. They're feeling threatened by the progress of Tesla and other electric cars. And they're threatened by the ramifications of aggressive climate action.
Ironically, they don't care about the ramifications of unchecked climate change. They don't care about human survival. They're simply putting short term profits over long term peril.
In the coming days, Nevada Government leaders will need to figure out just how badly they want Tesla's gigafactory in Storey County. But wherever it ultimately lands, it may very well provide glimmers of hope for a brighter future. And Tesla shouldn't be alone in investing in clean energy technology.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Why Do We Let Them Call the Shots?
Are they serious? Or is this clickbait? Or has everyone at the NRA stopped caring about even attempting to sound sane & rational?
Fresh off going Godwin in Washington State, the NRA decided today is a terrific day to release this new video from "official ammosexual man candy" Dom Raso celebrating the "right" of blind people to fire guns.
Sure, eye sight isn't necessary to fire a gun. It's just necessary to properly aim a gun.
And no, that's not "discriminatory". That's common sense. There's a reason why blind people don't drive. (Hell, it may be the same reason why we don't drive!)
But as of late, the NRA and its "TEA" fueled allies have declared war on common sense and rational thought. The Open Carry crowd decided to release a new children's book celebrating mommy & daddy packing heat at the grocery store. They're also rallying behind Peter Nathan Steinhetz, the Arizona medical researcher who thought it was a great idea and a cogent "political statement" to carry a loaded AR-15 assault weapon into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport... And point it at a woman & her daughter.
But then again, why are we suprised by any of this? We're talking about the same "gun rights movement" that celebrates the lawlessness of Cliven Bundy and his Patriot Movement cohorts, defends the "right" of Jerad Miller to get his hands on lethal firearms (so he can "start the revolution"), and demands more "Stand Your Ground" laws so that Darren Mack and George Zimmerman can keep shooting whenever they feel "threatened" by such things as court orders and hoodies.
Why do we let them call the shots? Why do we let the NRA and gun industry dictate to us how (not) to regulate firearms? If we have basic safety standards in place for our cars, our homes, and our places of work, why can't we have basic safety standards in place for items that are literally built to kill? Think about that.
Fresh off going Godwin in Washington State, the NRA decided today is a terrific day to release this new video from "official ammosexual man candy" Dom Raso celebrating the "right" of blind people to fire guns.
Sure, eye sight isn't necessary to fire a gun. It's just necessary to properly aim a gun.
And no, that's not "discriminatory". That's common sense. There's a reason why blind people don't drive. (Hell, it may be the same reason why we don't drive!)
But as of late, the NRA and its "TEA" fueled allies have declared war on common sense and rational thought. The Open Carry crowd decided to release a new children's book celebrating mommy & daddy packing heat at the grocery store. They're also rallying behind Peter Nathan Steinhetz, the Arizona medical researcher who thought it was a great idea and a cogent "political statement" to carry a loaded AR-15 assault weapon into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport... And point it at a woman & her daughter.
But then again, why are we suprised by any of this? We're talking about the same "gun rights movement" that celebrates the lawlessness of Cliven Bundy and his Patriot Movement cohorts, defends the "right" of Jerad Miller to get his hands on lethal firearms (so he can "start the revolution"), and demands more "Stand Your Ground" laws so that Darren Mack and George Zimmerman can keep shooting whenever they feel "threatened" by such things as court orders and hoodies.
Why do we let them call the shots? Why do we let the NRA and gun industry dictate to us how (not) to regulate firearms? If we have basic safety standards in place for our cars, our homes, and our places of work, why can't we have basic safety standards in place for items that are literally built to kill? Think about that.
Apocalypse Now
Last week, heads exploded over at Fox "Business". Host Stuart Varney wasn't expecting a Republican former EPA chief to say something rational. But alas, Former New Jersey Governor (& later George Bush era EPA Administrator) Christie Todd Whitman (R) shocked Fox "Business" with some candid talk on climate change... And climate action.
Ever since President Obama announced his climate action plan, the usual G-O-TEA suspects have turned apoplectic. They've gone Godwin. They've turned up the denial to a whole new level. They've embraced even more outrageous conspiracy theories. And of course, they've claimed this is truly just a sign that Jesus is about to magically zap them up to heaven and leave all of us heathens behind to burn.
Have any of them even tried to step away from "700 Club" (and Fox "News") and flip on the real news? Don't they realize California is already on fire? Hello, this is apocalypse now.
This past June was the hottest June on record. Drought has hit the American West quite hard. And now, wildfires are running rampant from California all the way to Washington State.
Here in Nevada, the mercury finally dropped after Reno and other parts of Northern Nevada broke records. Las Vegas even experienced some heavy rain yesterday.
We badly need the rain. Last month, Lake Mead hit a record low water level. Meanwhile up north, wildfire season began incredibly early this year. And thanks to climate change, the excessive heat, parching drought, and epic wildfires are increasingly becoming "the new normal".
So what did Congress do before skipping town last Friday? Nothing. No really, House Republican "leaders" decided to adjourn for August recess without even allowing a floor vote on bipartisan wildfire aid legislation. Needless to say, Nevada and the rest of The West are now at risk of fighting epic wildfires with no federal assistance. Instead, House Republicans (cough- Joe Heck- cough- Mark Amodei -cough) are suing President Obama for daring to #ActOnClimate.
We know the G-O-TEA base has been losing its s--t as of late over apocalyptic fairy tales. Republican "leaders" have even been throwing their support behind these fairy tales. But perhaps instead of freaking out over apocalyptic fairy tales, they should open their eyes and notice the apocalyptic images appearing throughout The West. Oh, and they need to realize they can actually do something to stop it.
Ever since President Obama announced his climate action plan, the usual G-O-TEA suspects have turned apoplectic. They've gone Godwin. They've turned up the denial to a whole new level. They've embraced even more outrageous conspiracy theories. And of course, they've claimed this is truly just a sign that Jesus is about to magically zap them up to heaven and leave all of us heathens behind to burn.
Have any of them even tried to step away from "700 Club" (and Fox "News") and flip on the real news? Don't they realize California is already on fire? Hello, this is apocalypse now.
This past June was the hottest June on record. Drought has hit the American West quite hard. And now, wildfires are running rampant from California all the way to Washington State.
Here in Nevada, the mercury finally dropped after Reno and other parts of Northern Nevada broke records. Las Vegas even experienced some heavy rain yesterday.
We badly need the rain. Last month, Lake Mead hit a record low water level. Meanwhile up north, wildfire season began incredibly early this year. And thanks to climate change, the excessive heat, parching drought, and epic wildfires are increasingly becoming "the new normal".
So what did Congress do before skipping town last Friday? Nothing. No really, House Republican "leaders" decided to adjourn for August recess without even allowing a floor vote on bipartisan wildfire aid legislation. Needless to say, Nevada and the rest of The West are now at risk of fighting epic wildfires with no federal assistance. Instead, House Republicans (cough- Joe Heck- cough- Mark Amodei -cough) are suing President Obama for daring to #ActOnClimate.
We know the G-O-TEA base has been losing its s--t as of late over apocalyptic fairy tales. Republican "leaders" have even been throwing their support behind these fairy tales. But perhaps instead of freaking out over apocalyptic fairy tales, they should open their eyes and notice the apocalyptic images appearing throughout The West. Oh, and they need to realize they can actually do something to stop it.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Bundy's Box
There's a reason why we've been talking about it. It's something we should really take seriously.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has just released a new report, War in the West, detailing why. When Jerad & Amanda Miller opened fire at a CiCi's Pizza and a Walmart in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley last month, we knew it didn't come from nowhere. When they proclaimed their murderous rampage the "start of the revolution", we could sense exactly where this came from.
In April, Cliven Bundy declared his "Range War" against federal law. And once he declared war, he summoned "Patriot Movement"/"sovereign citizens" from across the nation to help him fight this "Range War". Yet when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) warned of the dangers of the escalating armed conflict in & around Bunkerville, plenty of politicians & pundits (especially those of the "TEA" tinged variety) condemned Senator Reid for his "poor choice of words".
While "TEA" flavored politicians and pundits were attacking Senator Reid for refusing to mince words, Jerad & Amanda Miller wanted to spread the #BundyRanch "revolution" elsewhere. They shared the same extreme anti-government ideology as the Bundy family. Yet unlike the Bundys, the Millers weren't afraid of spreading the "revolution" into Las Vegas. So they walked into a pizza place and opened fire on 2 Metro Police Officers.
They weren't alone in their "revolutionary" fervor. Even before #BundyRanch dominated cable TV in April, radical right militia groups were on the rise. The "Patriot Movement" has roots going all the way back to resistance to post Civil War Reconstruction in the 1870s. The "Posse Comitatus" movement sprang from the ashes of that resistance nearly 100 years later, after the contemporary civil rights movement scored key legislative and judicial victories. And in 1995, this movement seemed to reach its pinnacle when Timothy McVeigh and his "Patriot" cohorts bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
But after the onset of "The Great Recession" and the first election of President Obama in 2008, the "Patriot Movement" and other anti-government militia groups made a major comeback. And while the "Patriot Movement" has "rebranded" itself in recent years, it hasn't actually strayed from its xenophobic roots.
Just take a look at the current revitalization of the anti-immigrant militia movement. They're trying to take advantage of the Central American refugee crisis and claim this "invasion" is grounds for "war". Last week, Jim Gilchrist called for the revival of the very Minutemen Project that spawned the likes of Shawna Forde & JT Ready. And now, several "Patriot Movement" leaders are calling for armed patrols of the US-Mexico Border.
While their "call to arms" in South Texas has gone mostly unheeded as of late, this may only be the calm before the storm. After all, it looked like #BundyRanch quieted down in late April. Many didn't realize the "Range War" was only the beginning.
When a number of G-O-TEA politicians and media personalities rallied around Cliven Bundy and his "Range War", they either didn't realize or didn't care to acknowledge that they were endorsing something awfully frightening. And when the Bundy family decided to bring these "Patriot Movement" acolytes into Southern Nevada, they didn't care to think about the danger they were importing here and the extreme ideology of violence they were embracing.
Like Pandora, they have opened this box full of evil. That's the reason why we continue to talk about it. This is something we must take seriously.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has just released a new report, War in the West, detailing why. When Jerad & Amanda Miller opened fire at a CiCi's Pizza and a Walmart in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley last month, we knew it didn't come from nowhere. When they proclaimed their murderous rampage the "start of the revolution", we could sense exactly where this came from.
In April, Cliven Bundy declared his "Range War" against federal law. And once he declared war, he summoned "Patriot Movement"/"sovereign citizens" from across the nation to help him fight this "Range War". Yet when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) warned of the dangers of the escalating armed conflict in & around Bunkerville, plenty of politicians & pundits (especially those of the "TEA" tinged variety) condemned Senator Reid for his "poor choice of words".
While "TEA" flavored politicians and pundits were attacking Senator Reid for refusing to mince words, Jerad & Amanda Miller wanted to spread the #BundyRanch "revolution" elsewhere. They shared the same extreme anti-government ideology as the Bundy family. Yet unlike the Bundys, the Millers weren't afraid of spreading the "revolution" into Las Vegas. So they walked into a pizza place and opened fire on 2 Metro Police Officers.
They weren't alone in their "revolutionary" fervor. Even before #BundyRanch dominated cable TV in April, radical right militia groups were on the rise. The "Patriot Movement" has roots going all the way back to resistance to post Civil War Reconstruction in the 1870s. The "Posse Comitatus" movement sprang from the ashes of that resistance nearly 100 years later, after the contemporary civil rights movement scored key legislative and judicial victories. And in 1995, this movement seemed to reach its pinnacle when Timothy McVeigh and his "Patriot" cohorts bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
But after the onset of "The Great Recession" and the first election of President Obama in 2008, the "Patriot Movement" and other anti-government militia groups made a major comeback. And while the "Patriot Movement" has "rebranded" itself in recent years, it hasn't actually strayed from its xenophobic roots.
Just take a look at the current revitalization of the anti-immigrant militia movement. They're trying to take advantage of the Central American refugee crisis and claim this "invasion" is grounds for "war". Last week, Jim Gilchrist called for the revival of the very Minutemen Project that spawned the likes of Shawna Forde & JT Ready. And now, several "Patriot Movement" leaders are calling for armed patrols of the US-Mexico Border.
While their "call to arms" in South Texas has gone mostly unheeded as of late, this may only be the calm before the storm. After all, it looked like #BundyRanch quieted down in late April. Many didn't realize the "Range War" was only the beginning.
When a number of G-O-TEA politicians and media personalities rallied around Cliven Bundy and his "Range War", they either didn't realize or didn't care to acknowledge that they were endorsing something awfully frightening. And when the Bundy family decided to bring these "Patriot Movement" acolytes into Southern Nevada, they didn't care to think about the danger they were importing here and the extreme ideology of violence they were embracing.
Like Pandora, they have opened this box full of evil. That's the reason why we continue to talk about it. This is something we must take seriously.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
They Are Real People.
These are children. These are families. Keep that in mind.
They are real people. Don't forget that. We know it's easy to forget this when the usual "TEA" fueled blowhards, pundits, & spinners take to the airwaves to scream about conspiratorial nonsense.
These are children. These are families. These are people. They're not Rick Perry's personal political punching bags.
G-O-TEA politicians & pundits are busy attacking President Obama (and threatening to impeach him) because he "refuses to act". Never mind that the President has already sent a $3.7 billion emergency appropriations bill to Congress to address the current Central American migrant crisis. Never mind that the President is taking some heat from human rights advocates for proposing to deport so many of these refugees. And never mind that the solution so many Congressional Republicans claim they want has been on their desks for the past year, just waiting for their action: S 744/HR 15.
The US Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) just over a year ago. The bill they passed, S 744, has been awaiting House action. Last fall, Rep. Steven Horsford (D-North Las Vegas) and a bipartisan coalition of his House colleagues introduced HR 15 as a companion bill to S 744. For 9 months, HR 15 has been sitting in some dark House Committee room and waiting for further action. Why won't those allegedly "pro-reform Republicans" (cough- Joe Heck- cough) demand a floor vote for HR 15 now? Why can't they even take the $3.7 billion package that the President is offering them?
S 744 included an additional $30 billion for border security. And that's on top of all the billions in additional border security the federal government has spent in the past 5 years. Oh, and let's not forget the 2,000,000+ immigrants who have been apprehended & deported since President Obama took office.
Let's get real here. This isn't a "border security problem". This isn't an "Obama problem". And while this is a political problem, it's not actually what certain pundits & personalities claim it is.
These are children. These are families. They are real people. They are refugees.
They're not "illegals". They're not "aliens". They're not "garbage" that somehow needs to be "disposed of". They are real people. And it's a damned shame we are having this protracted debate on whether to humanely treat actual human beings.
They are real people. Don't forget that. We know it's easy to forget this when the usual "TEA" fueled blowhards, pundits, & spinners take to the airwaves to scream about conspiratorial nonsense.
These are children. These are families. These are people. They're not Rick Perry's personal political punching bags.
G-O-TEA politicians & pundits are busy attacking President Obama (and threatening to impeach him) because he "refuses to act". Never mind that the President has already sent a $3.7 billion emergency appropriations bill to Congress to address the current Central American migrant crisis. Never mind that the President is taking some heat from human rights advocates for proposing to deport so many of these refugees. And never mind that the solution so many Congressional Republicans claim they want has been on their desks for the past year, just waiting for their action: S 744/HR 15.
The US Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) just over a year ago. The bill they passed, S 744, has been awaiting House action. Last fall, Rep. Steven Horsford (D-North Las Vegas) and a bipartisan coalition of his House colleagues introduced HR 15 as a companion bill to S 744. For 9 months, HR 15 has been sitting in some dark House Committee room and waiting for further action. Why won't those allegedly "pro-reform Republicans" (cough- Joe Heck- cough) demand a floor vote for HR 15 now? Why can't they even take the $3.7 billion package that the President is offering them?
S 744 included an additional $30 billion for border security. And that's on top of all the billions in additional border security the federal government has spent in the past 5 years. Oh, and let's not forget the 2,000,000+ immigrants who have been apprehended & deported since President Obama took office.
Let's get real here. This isn't a "border security problem". This isn't an "Obama problem". And while this is a political problem, it's not actually what certain pundits & personalities claim it is.
These are children. These are families. They are real people. They are refugees.
They're not "illegals". They're not "aliens". They're not "garbage" that somehow needs to be "disposed of". They are real people. And it's a damned shame we are having this protracted debate on whether to humanely treat actual human beings.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
New Low
Just over 2 months ago, we noticed this. While their "Range War" was still in high gear, members of Cliven Bundy's armed militia gang made violent threats against US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D). This wasn't the first time Senator Reid faced violent threats, but it also wasn't the first time we noticed the violently dangerous side of #BundyRanch.
Last month, Las Vegas Metro Police received a horrific wake-up call to the severity of this situation when Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo, along with civilian Joseph Robert Wilcox, we're shot to death by 2 extremely zealous #BundyRanch fans. Suddenly, Senator Reid looked to be awfully prescient for warning everyone about the "Patriot Movement"/sovereign citizen presence in Bunkerville & Mesquite.
But now, Senator Reid and his family face new threats. And why's that? Oh, we can thank everyone's favorite reckless "newspaper" for this doozy.
Believe it or not, the "newspaper" decided to print the streets where 2 of Senator Reid's sons live. The "newspaper" also noted that these streets happen to be in the same Henderson community where Harry & Landra Reid are moving to. Keep it klassy, "newspaper"!
Just last week, the FBI confirmed it's investigating an Indiana network with ties to the late Jerad & Amanda Miller after a member of this group threatened to kill police officers and judges who were involved with his 2011 arrest on drug charges. And last month, fellow "sovereign citizen" Brent Douglas Cole opened fire on law enforcement agents in the Lake Tahoe area. We've already seen violence emerge after Cliven Bundy and his "TEA" flavored friends decided to start their "Range War".
So why on earth did the "newspaper" publish the street addresses of Senator Reid's sons? The head honchos at Bonanza headquarters know these fringe characters are out there. Why give them such a road map to bloody tragedy?
Amazingly, the "newspaper" has found a new low to fall into. Just as as we're seeing a rise in extreme right domestic terrorism, the "newspaper" decides now is the perfect time to give aspiring "revolutionaries" the residence of Senator Reid & several of his family members. Words fail to describe the new EPIC FAIL the local "newspaper" has just committed.
Last month, Las Vegas Metro Police received a horrific wake-up call to the severity of this situation when Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo, along with civilian Joseph Robert Wilcox, we're shot to death by 2 extremely zealous #BundyRanch fans. Suddenly, Senator Reid looked to be awfully prescient for warning everyone about the "Patriot Movement"/sovereign citizen presence in Bunkerville & Mesquite.
But now, Senator Reid and his family face new threats. And why's that? Oh, we can thank everyone's favorite reckless "newspaper" for this doozy.
Believe it or not, the "newspaper" decided to print the streets where 2 of Senator Reid's sons live. The "newspaper" also noted that these streets happen to be in the same Henderson community where Harry & Landra Reid are moving to. Keep it klassy, "newspaper"!
Just last week, the FBI confirmed it's investigating an Indiana network with ties to the late Jerad & Amanda Miller after a member of this group threatened to kill police officers and judges who were involved with his 2011 arrest on drug charges. And last month, fellow "sovereign citizen" Brent Douglas Cole opened fire on law enforcement agents in the Lake Tahoe area. We've already seen violence emerge after Cliven Bundy and his "TEA" flavored friends decided to start their "Range War".
So why on earth did the "newspaper" publish the street addresses of Senator Reid's sons? The head honchos at Bonanza headquarters know these fringe characters are out there. Why give them such a road map to bloody tragedy?
Amazingly, the "newspaper" has found a new low to fall into. Just as as we're seeing a rise in extreme right domestic terrorism, the "newspaper" decides now is the perfect time to give aspiring "revolutionaries" the residence of Senator Reid & several of his family members. Words fail to describe the new EPIC FAIL the local "newspaper" has just committed.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
War Games
We witnessed yet another one yesterday. And it came right on the heels of another one in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
This time, it happened at a campground near Nevada City, California, and Lake Tahoe. Brent Douglas Cole opened fire on a BLM ranger and California Highway Patrol officer. Both the BLM ranger and Cole had to be hospitalized for their injuries.
Brent Douglas Cole considered himself a "sovereign citizen". Remember the "sovereign citizen movement"? We've been seeing it on full display here lately.
Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys" may view theirarmed madness "Range War" as just good old fashioned "fun & games", but "revolutionaries" like Jerad & Amanda Miller took this far more seriously. They viewed it as war games.
Before he finally attained the violent showdown he desired, Jerad Miller had taken to radical conspiracy web sites to discuss important issues... Like killing police officers. Who could have guessed?
And now, we have the Nevada City incident. And we have the Kalamazoo incident. And we have the Cumming courthouse shooting. And we have a possible Portland murder. And we have this ongoing affair in Montana.
These war games may seem comical at times. They often look farcical to those of us who operate in civilized society. But when certain elected officials bestow a shroud of legitimacy upon a "movement" built on criminality, terrible consequences ensue. After all, war is hell. And these games they're playing aren't for fun.
This time, it happened at a campground near Nevada City, California, and Lake Tahoe. Brent Douglas Cole opened fire on a BLM ranger and California Highway Patrol officer. Both the BLM ranger and Cole had to be hospitalized for their injuries.
Brent Douglas Cole considered himself a "sovereign citizen". Remember the "sovereign citizen movement"? We've been seeing it on full display here lately.
Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys" may view their
Before he finally attained the violent showdown he desired, Jerad Miller had taken to radical conspiracy web sites to discuss important issues... Like killing police officers. Who could have guessed?
And now, we have the Nevada City incident. And we have the Kalamazoo incident. And we have the Cumming courthouse shooting. And we have a possible Portland murder. And we have this ongoing affair in Montana.
These war games may seem comical at times. They often look farcical to those of us who operate in civilized society. But when certain elected officials bestow a shroud of legitimacy upon a "movement" built on criminality, terrible consequences ensue. After all, war is hell. And these games they're playing aren't for fun.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Personal Responsibility
All this year, we've heard nothing but excuses from House Republican "leaders" when asked about comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). Even though they've been the ones blocking a floor vote, they've always tried to blame someone else for their own inaction.
Once again, they're passing the buck on CIR. Once again, they're trying to blame President Obama instead to take any personal responsibility. (Didn't they use to preach that?) But this time, they're stooping to the new low of blaming both President Obama and returning Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for their failure to advance CIR.
Oh, yes. That's right. They're going there. Not only are they claiming that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is some sort of "double agent TERRORIST!!!" (way to "support the troops", jack@$$es), but they're now also claiming he's some legendary political mastermind who somehow killed CIR all the way from a US Military hospital in Germany.
Never mind that the very Congressional Republicans trying to turn #Bergdahl into the new DC scandal du jour were the same ones who were demanding that the President do everything possible to #BringBoweHome before President Obama accomplished just that. They're craving a new haute faux scandal to "investigate" to death. And in their twisted, demented minds, they actually believe they've found it in the return of a prisoner of war who suffered 5 years of Taliban captivity.
And not only that, but House G-O-TEA "leaders" now want to use #Bergdahl as their latest excuse for dropping the ball on CIR. Again, whatever happened to that time honored "conservative value" of "personal responsibility"? When did "The Buck Stops Here" become "Not My Fault, Mommy!"?
For the past year, Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) has become notorious here in Nevada for his excuses and flip-flops on immigration reform. Who knew he was just setting an example for the rest of the Republican Party? (Or is it the other way around?) He and his House G-O-TEA colleagues still refuse to take any personal responsibility for their own inaction. And ultimately, millions of American families will continue to pay the price for this latest bout of irresponsible immaturity inaction from the usual G-O-TEA suspects.
Once again, they're passing the buck on CIR. Once again, they're trying to blame President Obama instead to take any personal responsibility. (Didn't they use to preach that?) But this time, they're stooping to the new low of blaming both President Obama and returning Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl for their failure to advance CIR.
Oh, yes. That's right. They're going there. Not only are they claiming that Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl is some sort of "double agent TERRORIST!!!" (way to "support the troops", jack@$$es), but they're now also claiming he's some legendary political mastermind who somehow killed CIR all the way from a US Military hospital in Germany.
Never mind that the very Congressional Republicans trying to turn #Bergdahl into the new DC scandal du jour were the same ones who were demanding that the President do everything possible to #BringBoweHome before President Obama accomplished just that. They're craving a new haute faux scandal to "investigate" to death. And in their twisted, demented minds, they actually believe they've found it in the return of a prisoner of war who suffered 5 years of Taliban captivity.
And not only that, but House G-O-TEA "leaders" now want to use #Bergdahl as their latest excuse for dropping the ball on CIR. Again, whatever happened to that time honored "conservative value" of "personal responsibility"? When did "The Buck Stops Here" become "Not My Fault, Mommy!"?
For the past year, Rep. Joe Heck (R-Henderson) has become notorious here in Nevada for his excuses and flip-flops on immigration reform. Who knew he was just setting an example for the rest of the Republican Party? (Or is it the other way around?) He and his House G-O-TEA colleagues still refuse to take any personal responsibility for their own inaction. And ultimately, millions of American families will continue to pay the price for this latest bout of irresponsible immaturity inaction from the usual G-O-TEA suspects.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
How Should a Patriot Act?
Remember this? Back in April, both of Nevada's US Senators appeared on KSNV/News 3's "What's Your Point?". Both were asked about #BundyRanch. Yet while Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) refused to mince words regarding the Cliven Bundy fiasco. Senator Dean Heller (R), on the other hand, celebrated the Bundy Gang as "patriots".
Senator Heller was partially correct. They're anything but real patriots, since they seek to undermine the very foundation of this nation. However, many of the Bundy Crew happen to be part of the radical right, xenophobic, anti-government "Patriot Movement". We suspect this wasn't what Senator Heller intended to say...
But he ultimately, though accidentally, gave more credence to what Senator Reid was saying. We, Senator Reid, Rachel Maddow, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and a few others tried to warn the #BundyRanch cheerleaders of what they were so eagerly jumping into. The "Patriot Movement" is anything but patriotic, and it's certainly anything but nonviolent and well-intentioned.
On Sunday, Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were taking their lunch break at the CiCi's Pizza at Nellis & Stewart. It was supposed to be a normal Sunday on the beat. They didn't know this would be their last day on earth. They didn't know they were being targeted by "Patriot Movement" followers Jerad & Amanda Miller. They didn't know they were about to become bloody "sacrifices" for "the start of the revolution".
The Millers proclaimed their act of terror as "the start of the revolution". It's not as if they just thought this up on their own. It's not as if this originated from a vacuum. It's not as if no one noticed what they were saying on Facebook. And it's not as if they were the only "Patriot Movement" figures to threaten violence. (The Millers just happened to follow through on their threats.)
In April, Senator Heller proudly proclaimed all the #BundyRanch agitators to be "patriots". Even though his own staff had briefed him on the severity of what was going down in Bunkerville, he nonetheless endorsed their actions.
And now, two Metro officers and another victim are dead. They're dead because two "Patriot Movement" fans wanted "the start of the revolution". They're dead because Jerad & Amanda Miller had a very disgusting, distorted, and disturbing definition of "patriot". And they're dead because Jerad Miller was able to obtain firearms despite his felony convictions.
In April, the usual G-O-TEA suspects lambasted Senator Reid for daring to speak the truth about the dangerous characters swirling around #BundyRanch. And they cheered Senator Heller when he called them "patriots". What a difference two months can make.
Senator Heller was partially correct. They're anything but real patriots, since they seek to undermine the very foundation of this nation. However, many of the Bundy Crew happen to be part of the radical right, xenophobic, anti-government "Patriot Movement". We suspect this wasn't what Senator Heller intended to say...
But he ultimately, though accidentally, gave more credence to what Senator Reid was saying. We, Senator Reid, Rachel Maddow, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and a few others tried to warn the #BundyRanch cheerleaders of what they were so eagerly jumping into. The "Patriot Movement" is anything but patriotic, and it's certainly anything but nonviolent and well-intentioned.
On Sunday, Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were taking their lunch break at the CiCi's Pizza at Nellis & Stewart. It was supposed to be a normal Sunday on the beat. They didn't know this would be their last day on earth. They didn't know they were being targeted by "Patriot Movement" followers Jerad & Amanda Miller. They didn't know they were about to become bloody "sacrifices" for "the start of the revolution".
The Millers proclaimed their act of terror as "the start of the revolution". It's not as if they just thought this up on their own. It's not as if this originated from a vacuum. It's not as if no one noticed what they were saying on Facebook. And it's not as if they were the only "Patriot Movement" figures to threaten violence. (The Millers just happened to follow through on their threats.)
In April, Senator Heller proudly proclaimed all the #BundyRanch agitators to be "patriots". Even though his own staff had briefed him on the severity of what was going down in Bunkerville, he nonetheless endorsed their actions.
And now, two Metro officers and another victim are dead. They're dead because two "Patriot Movement" fans wanted "the start of the revolution". They're dead because Jerad & Amanda Miller had a very disgusting, distorted, and disturbing definition of "patriot". And they're dead because Jerad Miller was able to obtain firearms despite his felony convictions.
In April, the usual G-O-TEA suspects lambasted Senator Reid for daring to speak the truth about the dangerous characters swirling around #BundyRanch. And they cheered Senator Heller when he called them "patriots". What a difference two months can make.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Leave No Soldier Behind
As faithful readers here know, we try our best to avoid "Campaign Silly Season". But sometimes, the season becomes so silly that we can't avoid it any longer. Today happens to be that kind of day.
And we're not alone. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) couldn't hold back any longer. In fact, he tweeted this earlier today.
Whenever an American Prisoner of War has been taken, our armed forces always go all in to ensure the safe return of that POW. Always. Never before has this been "controversial"... Until now.
Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Carson City) tweeted, "Best news I've heard in a long time! #standwithbowe", soon after news broke of the Taliban's release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. That tweet was later deleted, and one of Amodei's staff then "blamed" the earlier tweet on another staff member who sent it "without knowing the terms of the release or consulting the congressman".
Believe it or not, Amodei isn't the only Republican who's flip-flopped on #standwithbowe. Senators John McCain (R-Arizona), Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), and Kelly Ayotte (R-New Hampshire) all called for the safe return of Sgt. Bergdahl... Until President Obama announced the prisoner exchange. And then, all of a sudden, a common wartime practice became some "ACT OF TREASON!!!!!111111!!!!!11".
Oh, yes. That's right. They're going there. Move over, #Benghazi. #Bergdahl is the G-O-TEA's newest & hottest haute faux scandal.
And just like their previous favorite haute faux scandals, they're not even bothering to check the facts on Bowe Bergdahl. Rather, they're just leaving it to Republican campaign consultants and hypocritical blowhard scumbags to attack Bergdahl without any actual facts. Because, of course, Obama.
Whatever happened to "leave no soldier behind"? Whatever happened to due process? And hell, whatever happened to "country first"?
We don't know exactly how and why Sgt. Bergdahl went missing. We just know President Obama made sure he was brought home safely. And ultimately, that's what matter. He made sure to leave no soldier behind. Why does anyone want to punish him for that? There's "Campaign Silly Season", but this goes way beyond that pail.
And we're not alone. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) couldn't hold back any longer. In fact, he tweeted this earlier today.
"We rescue our soldiers first and ask questions later. If action by justice system is needed, I prefer American justice over Taliban justice."
Whenever an American Prisoner of War has been taken, our armed forces always go all in to ensure the safe return of that POW. Always. Never before has this been "controversial"... Until now.
Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Carson City) tweeted, "Best news I've heard in a long time! #standwithbowe", soon after news broke of the Taliban's release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. That tweet was later deleted, and one of Amodei's staff then "blamed" the earlier tweet on another staff member who sent it "without knowing the terms of the release or consulting the congressman".
Believe it or not, Amodei isn't the only Republican who's flip-flopped on #standwithbowe. Senators John McCain (R-Arizona), Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), and Kelly Ayotte (R-New Hampshire) all called for the safe return of Sgt. Bergdahl... Until President Obama announced the prisoner exchange. And then, all of a sudden, a common wartime practice became some "ACT OF TREASON!!!!!111111!!!!!11".
Oh, yes. That's right. They're going there. Move over, #Benghazi. #Bergdahl is the G-O-TEA's newest & hottest haute faux scandal.
And just like their previous favorite haute faux scandals, they're not even bothering to check the facts on Bowe Bergdahl. Rather, they're just leaving it to Republican campaign consultants and hypocritical blowhard scumbags to attack Bergdahl without any actual facts. Because, of course, Obama.
Whatever happened to "leave no soldier behind"? Whatever happened to due process? And hell, whatever happened to "country first"?
We don't know exactly how and why Sgt. Bergdahl went missing. We just know President Obama made sure he was brought home safely. And ultimately, that's what matter. He made sure to leave no soldier behind. Why does anyone want to punish him for that? There's "Campaign Silly Season", but this goes way beyond that pail.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
"Your Dead Kids Don't Trump..."
Earlier this month, it was Chipotle. Now, it's Sonic & Chili's. For some reason, "suburban gun enthusiasts" have this urge to pack heat inside chain restaurants. Haven't they ever heard of Sriracha?
And haven't they ever heard of common decency? Maybe, just maybe, other customers want to eat their food without fear of a shootout?
As usual, the open carry activists immediately blamed someone else for theirdumbassery actions. And as usual, their first target was Everytown/Moms Demand Action. How dare that Everytown request a safe environment where children and other law abiding civilians are present!
Remember "Joe the Plumber"? He's back (again). And this time, public intellectual Samuel Wurzelbacher has something important to say about free-dumb: "As harsh as this sounds – your dead kids don’t trump my Constitutional rights."
Oh really, Sam/Joe/Whatever-the-hell-we're-supposed-to-call-you-now? First off, you may have the Constitutional right to be an idiot... But you don't have any Constitutional right to threaten other people's lives with your idiocy. Even the US Supreme Court has made that clear.
And secondly, who is "Joe the Plumber" to throw shade at Richard Martinez and other parents who lost their children in the Isla Vista massacre? Who is "Joe the Plumber" to lecture Richard Martinez and the UC Santa Barbara community on how they're "supposed to handle" their grief? Doesn't he recognize the severity of what occurred last Friday?
Or is he just too busy repeating NRA talking points to even care? "Your dead kids don’t trump"... The "right" to scare paying customers away from a restaurant? "Your dead kids don’t trump"... The NRA's political agenda? "Your dead kids don’t trump"... The gun industry's fight against legislation backed by most Americans to prevent the piling up of any more dead kids?
And haven't they ever heard of common decency? Maybe, just maybe, other customers want to eat their food without fear of a shootout?
As usual, the open carry activists immediately blamed someone else for their
Remember "Joe the Plumber"? He's back (again). And this time, public intellectual Samuel Wurzelbacher has something important to say about free-dumb: "As harsh as this sounds – your dead kids don’t trump my Constitutional rights."
Oh really, Sam/Joe/Whatever-the-hell-we're-supposed-to-call-you-now? First off, you may have the Constitutional right to be an idiot... But you don't have any Constitutional right to threaten other people's lives with your idiocy. Even the US Supreme Court has made that clear.
And secondly, who is "Joe the Plumber" to throw shade at Richard Martinez and other parents who lost their children in the Isla Vista massacre? Who is "Joe the Plumber" to lecture Richard Martinez and the UC Santa Barbara community on how they're "supposed to handle" their grief? Doesn't he recognize the severity of what occurred last Friday?
Or is he just too busy repeating NRA talking points to even care? "Your dead kids don’t trump"... The "right" to scare paying customers away from a restaurant? "Your dead kids don’t trump"... The NRA's political agenda? "Your dead kids don’t trump"... The gun industry's fight against legislation backed by most Americans to prevent the piling up of any more dead kids?
Yes, All Women...
Throughout 2012 and into 2013, House Republicans led the fight against a comprehensive Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). They continually made excuses as to why they refused to take up the VAWA that passed the Senate in a big bipartisan vote in 2012. But finally in February 2013, House Republican "leaders" relented and VAWA became law (again).
However, that final vote wasn't without controversy. Earlier that month, Heritage Action (yes, that Heritage) announced it would lobby against VAWA renewal. And not only that, but it would negatively score House members who voted for VAWA. That's why most House Republicans ultimately voted against VAWA renewal last year.
What was truly disturbing about Heritage Action's campaign against VAWA was that it was couched in the language of the "Men's Rights Movement". The "Men's Rights Movement" has resorted to false claims and extreme rhetoric to decry laws aimed at protecting vulnerable women from abuse, rape, stalking, and "deadbeat dads".
Elliot Rodger had grown attached to the "Men's Rights Movement". He even posted on "men's rights" online message boards about the "revolution" he wanted to start. Last Friday, he acted on his wishes when he killed 6 other people and himself in Isla Vista.
We've said it before, and we must say it again. Words have consequences. Words have meaning. Rape culture, slut shaming, "man-o-sphere", and other forms of misogyny threaten more than just "blurred lines".
Another shooting occurred in Stockton last Saturday when 3 women turned down 3 men asking them for sex. One of them allegedly opened fire, and the women took shelter at a nearby restaurant to call police.
Meanwhile, a prominent "pick up artist" site predicted more Isla Vista massacres and Stockton incidents if women don't have sex with men like Elliot Rodger. This and other misogynistic responses to these recent violent acts of misogyny have prompted feminist activists to respond with #YesAllWomen. It's easy for so many of us to dismiss what we see as "boys being boys"... Until we see real girls hurt.
Yes, all women deserve respect. Yes, all women should have a chance to live lives free of violence. Yes, all women are still at risk when we fail to acknowledge the consequences of trying to shame and/or force them into submission. And yes, we need to take these risks and acts of misogyny seriously, especially in light of recent events.
However, that final vote wasn't without controversy. Earlier that month, Heritage Action (yes, that Heritage) announced it would lobby against VAWA renewal. And not only that, but it would negatively score House members who voted for VAWA. That's why most House Republicans ultimately voted against VAWA renewal last year.
What was truly disturbing about Heritage Action's campaign against VAWA was that it was couched in the language of the "Men's Rights Movement". The "Men's Rights Movement" has resorted to false claims and extreme rhetoric to decry laws aimed at protecting vulnerable women from abuse, rape, stalking, and "deadbeat dads".
Elliot Rodger had grown attached to the "Men's Rights Movement". He even posted on "men's rights" online message boards about the "revolution" he wanted to start. Last Friday, he acted on his wishes when he killed 6 other people and himself in Isla Vista.
We've said it before, and we must say it again. Words have consequences. Words have meaning. Rape culture, slut shaming, "man-o-sphere", and other forms of misogyny threaten more than just "blurred lines".
Another shooting occurred in Stockton last Saturday when 3 women turned down 3 men asking them for sex. One of them allegedly opened fire, and the women took shelter at a nearby restaurant to call police.
Meanwhile, a prominent "pick up artist" site predicted more Isla Vista massacres and Stockton incidents if women don't have sex with men like Elliot Rodger. This and other misogynistic responses to these recent violent acts of misogyny have prompted feminist activists to respond with #YesAllWomen. It's easy for so many of us to dismiss what we see as "boys being boys"... Until we see real girls hurt.
Yes, all women deserve respect. Yes, all women should have a chance to live lives free of violence. Yes, all women are still at risk when we fail to acknowledge the consequences of trying to shame and/or force them into submission. And yes, we need to take these risks and acts of misogyny seriously, especially in light of recent events.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Into the Wrong Hands
It happened again. This time, it was Isla Vista, California, which is home to UC Santa Barbara. Seven people are now dead, including the suspected shooter, Elliot Rodger.
Once again, we saw the brutal reality of gun violence. Even though Elliot Rodger had obtained his semiautomatic pistols legally, friends & family had seen evidence showing that Rodger was preparing to commit a very heinous crime. Even local police ran into the warning signs (but seemed to miss them).
Make no mistake. These weapons are designed to kill. And when these weapons fall into the wrong hands, tragedy ensues.
Earlier this month, the NRA made a splash over its own "rebranding" campaign, complete with a brand new online TV network. Try as it might, but the NRA can't "rebrand" reality away. Over the weekend, Richard Martinez made that point very clear. He should know, as his son was one of the victims of the Isla Vista massacre.
Once again, we've seen the recipe for disaster executed. Someone didn't receive the treatment and care he needed. Instead, he was able to access deadly firearms. And we're once more witnessing the results of allowing lethal weapons to fall into the wrong hands.
Already, "TEA" fueled media pundits are trying to deflect blame onto someone else. "It's the feminazis' fault! It's the homosexuals' fault! It's a false flag government conspiracy!"
But of course, these "TEA" powered media personalities will never blame those who boast about being "what stood in the way" between this nation and better gun safety laws. Because of course, free-dumb isn't free. And it's best for us not to worry our little heads over dangerous weapons falling into the wrong hands.
Once again, we saw the brutal reality of gun violence. Even though Elliot Rodger had obtained his semiautomatic pistols legally, friends & family had seen evidence showing that Rodger was preparing to commit a very heinous crime. Even local police ran into the warning signs (but seemed to miss them).
Make no mistake. These weapons are designed to kill. And when these weapons fall into the wrong hands, tragedy ensues.
Earlier this month, the NRA made a splash over its own "rebranding" campaign, complete with a brand new online TV network. Try as it might, but the NRA can't "rebrand" reality away. Over the weekend, Richard Martinez made that point very clear. He should know, as his son was one of the victims of the Isla Vista massacre.
Once again, we've seen the recipe for disaster executed. Someone didn't receive the treatment and care he needed. Instead, he was able to access deadly firearms. And we're once more witnessing the results of allowing lethal weapons to fall into the wrong hands.
Already, "TEA" fueled media pundits are trying to deflect blame onto someone else. "It's the feminazis' fault! It's the homosexuals' fault! It's a false flag government conspiracy!"
But of course, these "TEA" powered media personalities will never blame those who boast about being "what stood in the way" between this nation and better gun safety laws. Because of course, free-dumb isn't free. And it's best for us not to worry our little heads over dangerous weapons falling into the wrong hands.
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