But you're completely correct. The world is going back to a bi-polar state, with the democratic westernized economies on one side, and authoritarian non-democratic countries on another (Russia, Iran, China ect...). To the victor goes the spoils. For there to be victory, the USA (and her many allies) must stay on top of the game.
This is how the great game is played. The US just happens to have the deck stacked in their favor; is this a new revelation? Hardly...and Snowden thinks this is a bad thing. So he runs off to China and then Russia with his stolen data, which just happen to be America's key rivals. Let it be known, Snowden will never leave Russia alive, not because he doesn't wish to, but because his current paymasters will never allow it.
But I have observed that whether there is a big D or R as POTUS, it doesn't really affect political outcomes as much as it may seem. Take for example the relatively new in vogue maneuver of 'redistricting' and 'gerrymandering', perhaps the true root of systemic dysfunction. Essentially a practice of 'divide and conquer', where private interests successfully co-opt larger societal movements. Witness the dysfunction in Congress --- the power players love it! All those political lobbyists, media manipulators, spin doctors, fringe politicians preaching destruction of the government, fat cat hedgefunders, and sycophants of every political and religious affiliation ect... Who would want to change the status quo when they're making so much money from it?
Why do wealthy people live in those areas? Because that's where the money is.
Meanwhile, Republican supporters (predominantly living in lower income areas), will continue to vote against their own best interests.
The Internet Kill switch is located on the twentieth sub-floor of the White House, in a small room right beside the cot Dick Cheney hid under in 2001 for three weeks. The switch is enclosed in a nondescript beige controller box with a large round red button that blinks with the pulse of the internet. A sign above reads, only switch off in case of emergency, or alien invasion.
And 40-50% of ALL food goes rotten or is thrown away (from supermarkets or consumers fridges). Locally grown veggies can adapt to local demand, time to market reduces wastage. WIN WIN
The BBC has had their fair share of scandals over the years, but their independence from the government and organizational structure has allowed them to largely adapt and repair their reputation.
Implant a small explosive charge and when their regular ammunition is expended, the operator can initiate a 'kamikaze' maneuver. No retreat for robots! They'll gladly die for their makers.
Submersible hunter-killer drones lie in wait to defend America's freedom cable and orbital defense platforms defend the space above from communist tyranny. Long live freedom's reign.
In Russia you'd have to pay off (or get cozy) with Mafia oligarchs or Putin & the gang, paying protection money and not crossing any red lines. Make a mistake and you find yourself thrown in a hell hole in Siberia, or drinking radioactive tea. At least in the US you can hire a lawyer and get a fair shot, in Russia, the lawyer works against you.
I speak only for myself, but I only buy around half a dozen issues of any newspaper/magazine in a given year. There is simply too much quality content out there on the 'net for FREE, produced by predominantly independent sources, and untainted by corporate tentacles. I'm sure owning one's own newspaper adds a few points to one's ego, in which case the price of $250 million may seem like a bargain indeed.
Slashdot Mirror
But you're completely correct. The world is going back to a bi-polar state, with the democratic westernized economies on one side, and authoritarian non-democratic countries on another (Russia, Iran, China ect...). To the victor goes the spoils. For there to be victory, the USA (and her many allies) must stay on top of the game.
Boeing is back on top again, Crashbus only snagged about half the contracts as Boeing in 2013.
This is how the great game is played. The US just happens to have the deck stacked in their favor; is this a new revelation? Hardly...and Snowden thinks this is a bad thing. So he runs off to China and then Russia with his stolen data, which just happen to be America's key rivals. Let it be known, Snowden will never leave Russia alive, not because he doesn't wish to, but because his current paymasters will never allow it.
Forget the super volcano, there's a typo in the title!
But I have observed that whether there is a big D or R as POTUS, it doesn't really affect political outcomes as much as it may seem. Take for example the relatively new in vogue maneuver of 'redistricting' and 'gerrymandering', perhaps the true root of systemic dysfunction. Essentially a practice of 'divide and conquer', where private interests successfully co-opt larger societal movements. Witness the dysfunction in Congress --- the power players love it! All those political lobbyists, media manipulators, spin doctors, fringe politicians preaching destruction of the government, fat cat hedgefunders, and sycophants of every political and religious affiliation ect... Who would want to change the status quo when they're making so much money from it?
Why do wealthy people live in those areas? Because that's where the money is. Meanwhile, Republican supporters (predominantly living in lower income areas), will continue to vote against their own best interests.
China has caught up to cold war tech from 50 years ago! I'm much more impressed with the Indian satellite effort which just set off for Mars.
I don't know what country you're in, but the US is not doing austerity.
When the NSA offers to sell the EU the technology at reduced prices. :)
Now we shall have Peace in our time.
Truth is relative, the medium is the message, and the NSA controls the medium. ;)
The Internet Kill switch is located on the twentieth sub-floor of the White House, in a small room right beside the cot Dick Cheney hid under in 2001 for three weeks. The switch is enclosed in a nondescript beige controller box with a large round red button that blinks with the pulse of the internet. A sign above reads, only switch off in case of emergency, or alien invasion.
And 40-50% of ALL food goes rotten or is thrown away (from supermarkets or consumers fridges). Locally grown veggies can adapt to local demand, time to market reduces wastage. WIN WIN
To make Baba Ganoush, fattouch, tabbouleh ect... oh god I'm hungry now.
The BBC has had their fair share of scandals over the years, but their independence from the government and organizational structure has allowed them to largely adapt and repair their reputation.
Implant a small explosive charge and when their regular ammunition is expended, the operator can initiate a 'kamikaze' maneuver. No retreat for robots! They'll gladly die for their makers.
I downgraded my iPad back to 6.1.3.... It's perfectly doable.
Submersible hunter-killer drones lie in wait to defend America's freedom cable and orbital defense platforms defend the space above from communist tyranny. Long live freedom's reign.
The mechanical beast has been set free! An unstoppable nuclear powered thinking mind, with a lust for martian blood!
The US will just contract out the spying to a third party (or country, ally). No harm no foul. Money talks.
In Russia you'd have to pay off (or get cozy) with Mafia oligarchs or Putin & the gang, paying protection money and not crossing any red lines. Make a mistake and you find yourself thrown in a hell hole in Siberia, or drinking radioactive tea. At least in the US you can hire a lawyer and get a fair shot, in Russia, the lawyer works against you.
It's for duck hunting.
The Government watches the people, the people watch the government. Everyone's happy. A world with fewer secrets is a safer world.
The MAN has won, but its not so bad. The MAN pays well, has full health coverage, and a solid pension plan. Three cheers for the MAN!
I speak only for myself, but I only buy around half a dozen issues of any newspaper/magazine in a given year. There is simply too much quality content out there on the 'net for FREE, produced by predominantly independent sources, and untainted by corporate tentacles. I'm sure owning one's own newspaper adds a few points to one's ego, in which case the price of $250 million may seem like a bargain indeed.