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Forum Post: A Dismal State of Readiness.

Posted 9 years ago on Oct. 17, 2014, 3:54 p.m. EST by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

In all of this - I just LOVE - how it is shown that our ( USA ) emergency preparedness planning and implementation for the last 50 years - has been only so much smoke blown up the asses of the public.

Billions perhaps trillions of dollars that were to be dedicated to this issue of being ready to deal with any and every emergency ( man made or natural ) - to build facilities for health care to treat hundreds of thousands of patients from any cause of a pandemic ( Bird flu - SARS - Swine flu - etc ) - facilities with the proper equipment as well as the proper infectious disease isolation wards as well as proper training and staffing.

And an emergency arises - and SURPRISE - no one is prepared to do anything but panic - and call for emergency money for equipment facilities and supplies that were already supposed to have been stock piled in areas for quick/immediate distribution/use - supplies that should have been in existing facilities already to a capable degree of handling needs till more supplies could then be received from other local stock piles.

What happened to training? To be prepared to treat patients properly and protect the health care workers properly?

Where did all of the money allocated for such disappear to? Where/how was this money actually spent?

We have now had MAJOR emergency response failures in the Gulf and on the East Coast and the West coast as well as in the South Central States. STORM response failures that also called for having housing/facilities and supplies ready for the survivors of the storms as well as the equipment and people allocated to handle emergency repairs and clean-up.

Now it looks like one of the emergency preparedness needs that should have been totally planed for and supplies stocked and staff trained - HAS ALSO NOT BEEN DONE.

WTF people - just WTF

104 Comments

104 Comments


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[-] 6 points by JackHall (413) 9 years ago

The missing information on the status of readiness to handle emergencies has been a part of the media censorship that keeps the American public in the dark and creates a false sense of public safety and security.

Project Censored: Is the Press Really Free? The 1998 documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKoDqErD_A8

[-] 3 points by BrentWeirick81 (-85) 9 years ago

The Democrats put a rookie in the WH and he won because of his ethnicity. What else do you need to know. Everybody on the street knew this four years ago but still voted for him because of his skin color.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

I cannot figure out why the Democratic Wing of Uniparty USA even nominated Obama.To me,it looked like Hillary got Bushwhacked.The Republican wing of Uniparty took a pass on an actual GOOD candidate who appears to be the only remotely humane person running for Years-John Huntsman.I am extremely angry at GORWU-(Grand Old Right Wing Uniparty).GORWU seems willing to do Anything to win-but would they nominate a Moderate? I might actually vote for Huntsman if DUW (Democrat Uniparty Wing) nominates Hillary.Or...maybe not.It's all Uniparty and the 1% wins either way.After Hope and Change it is logical to expect No Hope and No Change,IMHO.I would like to vote against UnipartyUSA.I don't trust it because it has destroyed the Country.

[-] 2 points by turbocharger (1756) 9 years ago

Same reason they nominate anyone- because they know they can control them, they aren't strong enough to tell people to screw off.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

If Bernie actually turned into a Barnburner,they would just kill him.They didn't kill Elliot Spitzer.He is one of them,and I'm sure they told him to Stand Down.He didn't and you know the rest.Bernie is Squeaky clean.So there would be a Plane Crash if Bernie got on a roll.They will not run Warren.No way,Jose.It's almost time for her to get shot in a damn Supermarket,anyhow,ain't it?

[-] 4 points by turbocharger (1756) 9 years ago

If Bernie was a barnburner, he wouldn't have lasted in there as long as he has already.

Lets face it, if after 08 and all the hoopla and with an economy falling apart, that adminstration has turned into what it is, the entire system is shot and not worth bothering with at this point until the people decided to actually start being involved.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

I agree with you.I don't want DK to get Mad at me by saying it all the time.I can't stay mad at him,but he might stay mad at me.Lately it seems like even the ever Hopeful DK is starting to Question the Workability of the Broken Machine...

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Currently there is only one sane choice for president - and only if he decides to run - and then if elected he can not do a whole lot all by himself but will need support in the senate and congress.

Run for office Bernie Sanders - start now and lets hear "YOUR" picks for office in the coming election and then tell us who you would pick/support besides yourself in 2016. Who would you see take office in the 50 states? We need to get past the duopoly and the do nothings as well as the actively evil. So speak up speak out.

[-] 1 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Bernie has stated his efforts will be directed at "pushing to the left." None of the nationally known Politicians I halfway believe in will be running.I am not eligible to run for office because of...massive Baggage,chronic illness and I don;t know how to drive a freakin' car.I'm flattered that you would nominate me for President,though,old buddy old pal.As you know,my preference for POTUS is Medea Benjamin and for VPOTUS Cindy Sheehan.I listened to one of Gerald Celente's rants today and I must say I agree with him-NO MORE MILITARISM.It must end or we are all gonna be bankrupted and then die.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Militarism in the "homeland" - they are getting ready for the emergence of the pitchforks - don't let anyone try to tell ya different.

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

I am terrified by this Shitshow on WS.Nothing on this scale of Fraud and Manipulation has ever existed before.The Answer is buriied in all of this Data.WHAT are TPTB Doing?

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

WHAT are TPTB Doing?

Is it possible that the selfist greedy insane assholes have enough sanity to understand that they are making the whole planet uninhabitable?

Then understanding that they are also killing themselves along with all other life on the planet ( well except for microbial ) - they decide that they don't want to stop the process - but instead continue to accelerate at the wall in front of em and have a mad party as they do so - singing burn baby burn.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

They are signing their own Death Warrants,IMO.Their advisers have warned and warned and warned them.They Double Down.They cannot rule by Force-so why do they give every appearance that they are planning and preparing to do just that?

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Denying reality - like many of their actions - is also insane.

[-] 0 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

If Obama had not sold out, he could have worked wonders. I still believe that he is a very intelligent critical thinker, or at least he was 6 years ago. He is the closest thing to FDR, my favorite president by far, that we've had since. It is such a damn shame that he sold out to Hollywood, Wall-Mart, the finance industry, Buffet, Woods, Beyonce, and so many more wealth concentrating entities and individuals.

Unlike many, I have no real issue with Obama's foreign policy. Based on what has been made public, I see it as a giant improvement over that of Bush Jr. Unfortunately, the masses don't understand how incredibly complex the issue truly is. Otherwise, they wouldn't blame Obama for ISIS. They also have no clue about human nature. Otherwise, they wouldn't expect any miracles to begin with.

I don't agree with Sanders' position on healthcare but I would vote for him over Clinton or Romney for damn sure. I do think he made a colossal mistake defining himself as a socialist. He is not. He is a capitalist who believes in a few elements of Socialism. There is a big difference. I REALLY hate it when people misuse that word. If he runs, he will take quite a bit of heat for calling himself a socialist.

It's a shame that he isn't a decade or so younger. That may be a deal-breaker.

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Obama fails big time for his "insane" ( bowing to fossil fuel ) all of the above energy stance and should be tried for war crimes for the drone war killing of civilians.

[-] 0 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

I'll have to take a closer look at his actions on energy. We've discussed a related issue before you and I. I'm just not sure if a quick and clean transition to renewable energy is possible. I do want the regulation of energy production very stiff and our consumption as a nation down significantly.

Are you referring to US civilians who join terrorist groups, or innocent civilians form other countries killed by mistake?

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

1) Yeah I think we have had several short conversations on switching over to clean energy alternatives. Quick change over? It could be - when you look at the billions flushed straight down the wall street black-hole toilet - if that had instead been invested at replacing coal fired power plants ( for one ) with fuel cell power plants ( like the one put into service in Orange County Cali ) and also installing liquid metal batteries into the power grid ( for the "unheard of" storage of power generated - instead of "use it or lose it" as it is generated ) while also continuing solar and wind implementation. Well we could be a whole hell of a lot further down the road to being completely clean and fossil fuel free by now ( in energy production for the power grid ).

2) I am referring to civilian villagers killed as terrorists are targeted in the middle of towns/villages and blown to hell and gone with no consideration of the destruction/deaths caused around that bombed terrorist/target.

[-] 0 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

Your point about energy storage is a good one. Although I've heard of solar power home owners being paid for any energy they actually return to the grid so maybe the waste isn't constant in all areas? This really isn't my issue but I am with you about converting to the extent possible. Yes. Coal should be the first to go unless the 'clean coal' is what it's cracked up to be which I doubt. I get really annoyed when the fossil fuel junkies bitch about coal jobs lost. As if such a short term issue of transformation even begins to compare to AGW.

I will read up on the fuel cell power plant soon. That's a promise.

I hate civilian deaths as much as the next guy. I absolutely agree that war should be fought like a science and that collateral damage should be kept to an absolute minimum. The point so many warmongers don't understand, as I'm sure you know, is that when you blow up a family, the survivors are more likely to become terrorists. They are more likely to identify with any group, religious or otherwise, that targets those responsible for blowing up that family.

This isn't brain surgery. It's human nature. It's also what drives me up the wall when I hear the half-wit die-hard conservatives bitch about the frequent omission of the word 'muslim' when terrorism is referenced by Obama.

Hello? Morons? Knock knock knock. Is there anybody in there? Knock knock knock.

When you refer publicly to a large group as 'terrorists' without making VERY specific reference EXCLUSIVELY to the tiny sect among that group, you likely inspire those undecided or angry or disturbed in any way within that much larger group to BECOME terrorists.

For this reason, it is FUCKING STUPID to use the word 'Muslim' when making blanket statements in public about terrorism. It is FUCKING STUPID. The guys working behind the scenes do profile where they see fit, they do understand the issue, and they have been doing a damn good job overall. The significant drop in successful attacks and major attempts within our borders is proof positive in my book.

Unless of course, we should start referring to 'conservatives' or 'Republicans' as terrorists every time one of the extreme anti-government wackos within that much larger group shoots a cop or makes an attempt on the President's life, ect. It has happened at least a half dozen times over the last few years that I know of.

It's the same issue with Muslims. There is no need to offend the entire group. Regardless of what the Koran says, the absolute reality FACT is that only a tiny minuscule percentage of Muslims actually live by that 'kill the infidels' crap. With over 1.5 BILLION Muslims worldwide, our world would be fucked over a fence post within a matter of weeks if the opposite were true.

But good luck beating this into the head (figuratively speaking) of a die-hard conservative Obama hater. These people are FUCKING STUPID.

My guess is that we're somewhere on the same page on this one.

[-] 7 points by MattHolck0 (3867) 9 years ago

fuck rationalizing war

the US airstrike are terrorism

the US supplies weapons to many

fuck the two party pro-war government

[-] 1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

By the way, I have a lot of respect for people who are flat-out against war. I've never given them a hard time about it and I never will.

[-] -1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

War sucks but there have been wars fought not only for the good of one country (a poor excuse for war unless you're simply defending your borders) but for the good of humanity. The underlying cause is another issue but the Afghanistan war was a necessary one. Of course WWII comes to mind. Hitler had to be stopped. Iraq was a mistake and the war was terribly managed.

Of course Vietnam was reckless, irresponsible, and immoral. We had no legitimate excuse for that one. Not in my book.

Your point about supplying weapons to many is a good one but it may be better in some cases to supply the lesser of two evils.

[-] 8 points by ShadzSixtySix (1936) 9 years ago

So, ''the Afghanistan war was a necessary one'' was it ?! Really ?!! Pray tell - why was that ?!!! Also fyi :

Re.''Iraq was a mistake'' - NO, it was NOT ! It was totally a deliberate act of policy !! And a fkn CRIME !!!

fiat lux et fiat pax ...

[-] 8 points by DouglasAdams (208) 9 years ago

US Government has been suppressing in formation for decades.

Project Censored: Is the Press Really Free? The 1998 documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKoDqErD_A8

Project Censored's Most Under-Reported Stories of 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BvO5I13p5U

[-] 4 points by ShadzSixtySix (1936) 9 years ago

http://www.projectcensored.org/ is an excellent project, now running for nearly 40 years and the hour long doc. ''Project Censored: Is the Press Really Free?'' is an excellent film. Your second link was as interesting and in compliment, I append and recommend :

fiat justitia ruat caelum ...

[-] 5 points by DouglasAdams (208) 9 years ago

Good to hear citizens of NYC have taken some action to investigate WTC Buildings' Collapse after 13 years.

[-] 9 points by ShadzSixtySix (1936) 9 years ago

Far more New Yorkers know that 'The Official 9/!! Conspiracy Theory' - is very seriously flawed, than are willing to admit or talk about it. However, that reservoir of knowledge and scepticism is growing. We can but hope that the truth will come out one day but the reality of the the events since 2001 being based on a lie jolts the mind now and will continue to do so in future. I also append & recommend fyi, these links :

The final link is to a comment by OWS forum-poster elf3 who encapsulates some very deep aspects & I'll recommend her brilliant comment & indeed that whole forum-post and thread to you and all readers.

veritas vos liberabit ...

[-] 4 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Afghanistan War=Pipeline & Dope War-"Everybody knows that."

[-] 8 points by ShadzSixtySix (1936) 9 years ago

Afghanistan is the world's primary producer of heroin and it accounts for 80%+ of global production. This massively lucrative trade is helping to destabilise not just Afghanistan & Pakistan but also Iran, Russia, Western China, Northern India & other places too. I believe that the funds generated are also being used to bankroll Right Wing, Extreme Islamist and other (Uighur, Kashmir ?) insurgencies too.

I do also think that UNOCAL's pipeline for Central Asian hydro-carbons still remains a strategic ambition for The U$A and it's very difficult to believe that intelligence agencies are not involved in the heroin trade. Re. Afghanistan, your points are sound and please also see this comment and subsequent thread :

e tenebris, lux ...

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Those who attack Afghanistan never seem to prevail long run.Yet as each one fails another takes its place.TPTB seems to be willing to shed Other People's Blood without limit over right of way in Afghanistan.Must be worth Trillions.

[-] 6 points by ShadzSixtySix (1936) 9 years ago

Part of Afghanistan's tragedy is it's enormous untapped mineral resources !!! The 0.01% Parasite Class know this very well & are willing to send kids to die for it !! You're in the ball park with ''Trillions'' ! + fyi ...

Meanwhile while it still lasts, I encourage you and all readers to watch this great video of Russel Brand on the BBC's flagship 'Newsnight' programme : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqsFp0J22Hc ~{~

multum in parvo ...

[-] -3 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

I'm not denying the corruption you refer to. Still, I feel the war in Afghanistan, unlike the war in Iraq was necessary.

[-] 4 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Your opinion-everybody's got one.If you think the 9/11 attacks came from there,newsflash-they were all from Saudi&Egypt&Yemen.The Talibs offered to extradite Osama if evidence could be produced that he had committed a crime.No evidence was produced.Would they have done that if they were involved?

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Burn Notice.He was,or is a CIA Asset.There is no evidence that he is dead.Saddam=CIA,Noriega=CIA,Quaddaffi=CIA.All Burn Notice.

[-] -1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

The individuals involved were recruited and the attacks well organized. The central planning operation was in Afghanistan.

If you disagree, that is, if you feel Bin Laden was framed, then who framed him?

[-] -1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

Because of Al Qaeda and the Taliban. There was no chance for peace between us and them. They wanted us dead and they had already proven how far they were willing to go and how capable they were to make it happen. They killed over 3000 of us in a single day. They dropped two skyscrapers, fortunately straight down instead of right over, onto a city densely populated with civilians. They compromised the heart of our military intelligence on the same day. They riddled our country with anger and fear. They declared war on us. They were based in Afghanistan.

I don't want to get into the underlying causes of terrorism right now. If any of you would like to, then be my guest. I'm pretty sure that we will find some common ground. It's a VERY deep rooted issue as I'm sure a few of you know.

I've been against torture and those ridiculous humiliation tactics from day one. Not only because we signed a treaty but because we likely created a hell of a lot more terrorists than we tortured and humiliated. I've also been for full prosecution of those responsible for war crimes regardless of the circumstances.

[-] 10 points by ShadzSixtySix (1936) 9 years ago

Someone ''dropped'' THREE ''skyscrapers, fortunately straight down instead of right over, onto a city densely populated with civilians'' that's for sure & btw if fire 'drops' buildings then building regs.are b-s !!

As to who the ''they'' were and where ''they'' were from and how ''they'' did it ... well, there is 'The Official 9/!! Comm. Report' Conspiracy Theory (which TOTALLY ignores WTC-7) & then there are other 'theories' about the 'conspiracy' that resulted in the events of that fateful day in September, 2001, which still echo.

IF you have an open mind and heart, I recommend a pitcher of iced non-alcoholic drink, some quite time and the following :

IF any of the contents and implications of the above are new to you SMC ... then be calm and take your time but ''hold onto your hat Dorothy 'cause Kansas is going bye-bye'' !!!

fiat lux ...

[-] 6 points by turbocharger (1756) 9 years ago

Because clearly when an out of the blue attack on the US happens, the guy who gets the news would simply just sit there like a deer in the headlights for minutes on end afterwards.

I would suggest some very strong drinks after reading all of those links to bring people into a better state of reality lol :)

[-] 4 points by ShadzSixtySix (1936) 9 years ago

G'Dubya'B liked ''very strong drinks'', as well as 'Bolivian Marching Powder' in his time but the fool was probably NOT in the loop at the start of 9/!! ... which would more likely have been a Cheney, Wolfovitz, Rumsfeld and PNAC / 'Deep Govt.' project with both Mossad & Saudi Intelligence input. My conjecture aside, please consider :

Sad to say that ''Most Americans remain comfortable with the fact that their government has destroyed in whole or part seven countries based on a lie Washington told to cover up an inside job that launched the crazed neoconservatives’ drive for Washington’s World Empire.''

fiat lux ; fiat justitia ; fiat pax ...

[-] 7 points by beautifulworld (23767) 9 years ago

I would change your words to "Because of the U.S. and the West. There was no chance for peace between us and them. They wanted us to leave them alone and we had already proven how far we were willing to go to suppress and control them and how capable we were to make it happen. We killed hundreds of thousands of them over a period of years......"

[-] 2 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

I guess a few of you and I have reached an impasse. I still believe that Al Qaeda was responsible for 911, that they were based in Afghanistan, and that the war, although corrupted like every war was necessary. I hope that it ultimately prevented more suffering and death that it caused.

A few of you strongly disagree with me. I'm not going to argue in circles but I will say this in my own defense: I do care about humanity over patriotism. I always have and I always will. I think we're all on the same page there. We just disagree strongly over whether or not the Afghanistan war (not the corruption) was justified.

Hopefully, I haven't alienated any of you. In spite of our disagreements, I identify with this group more than any other that I've ever encountered anywhere.

I will continue to post regardless.

[-] 7 points by beautifulworld (23767) 9 years ago

We learn through discussion and disagreement. I do not feel alienated at all! I welcome intelligent debate and kind of miss there being more people here with varying perspectives. Also, in my entire life, I've only met one person that I agree with almost all of the time. It's impossible to expect to agree with everyone here on everything, but it's a great place to make our points and to open our own minds and hopefully, others'.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Stillmod,I hope you don't decide to take disagreements over arguable points personally.We can agree there is a War going on in Afghanistan right now.Should this War continue? Can we afford to continue it? Should it be ended because we have achieved the stated objectives-to destroy Al Qu'eada and the Taliban? Has this been accomplished or perhaps not? Should we keep Boots on the Ground there Forever in order to continue the ongoing Task of suppressing the Taliban? Since we already have a costly effort underway to achieve certain specific objectives,it seems to me that a discussion of Where do we go From Here would be a better topic of discussion than any number of things which have already happened and can't be changed now.The Failure of Occupy to engage with people whose views are to the right has cost us Dearly and will continue to do so until it is addressed,IMO.

[-] 0 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

I was hoping to avoid the 'our government did it' angle. Sorry Shadz, we agree more often than not and I have no problem acknowledging the possibility that WT7 was dropped in order to protect or destroy some type of sensitive information. I also have no problem admitting that some wars, like Iraq and Vietnam have been waged for financial reasons and that virtually ALL war efforts are corrupted by private (corporate) interests but that's as far as I will go in that particular direction.

In case you haven't noticed, I rule out no level of evil or deceit when big money is involved. None whatsoever. But I just can't imagine how 911 could have been an inside job. It would have taken the cooperation of key players from both major political parties along with dozens of individuals at the very least all working together from different locations in absolute secrecy. Every last one of them would have had to perform flawlessly in order to avoid leaving a trail of evidence. Not to mention being able to convince those pilots to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Sorry, like I said, we agree plenty but not this time.

[-] 4 points by ShadzSixtySix (1936) 9 years ago

If indeed you ''have no problem acknowledging the possibility that WTC7 was dropped in order to protect or destroy some type of sensitive information'' and you ''rule out no level of evil or deceit when big money is involved. None whatsoever.'' - then let those truths unblock your imagination and credulity SMC & fyi :

However, I honestly believe that you will be better off watching Russell Brand on BBC TV in The UK right now : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqsFp0J22Hc & note how 9/!! gets more than a passing word !

fiat lux ...

[-] -3 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

I agree that we had been provoking the world for many years by sticking our noses and our military bases where they didn't belong. Also that we had literally created the conditions for terrorism to flourish by hogging and squandering natural resources. Not to mention the INCREDIBLY STUPID decisions that were made over a number of years regarding a number of borders in the Middle East. Still, on 911, what was done had been done. We could not just stand by and allow those responsible for executing thousands of our civilians to go unchecked. Otherwise, they would have organized another major attack and another and another and another.

You will never catch me uttering that "America is innocent' crap. Like many of you, I know better. But if your neighbors run over your garbage can and their dog kills your cat, you don't go over there and slit their 8 year old daughter's throat. You take it up with the owners and the dog. If you slit the little girl's throat just because she fed the dog, then you are a terrorist and you must be thrown in jail for life or put down.

Over 3000 of our civilians, many of whom were every bit as decent as any of us regardless of how stupid they may have been as Americans were tortured and killed on that day. The rescue workers were crushed under thousands of tons of rubble. Their family members were left to suffer in misery and with voids that can never be filled. An entire country was left riddled with anger and fear.

There was no chance for peace between us and them.

We're all stuck on the same giant rock. If it were up to me, I would scrap every border in the world and share resources under a one-world government. I would be happy to make the necessary sacrifices. That's how little this God damn rate-race means to me. But we're not there and the human race in general isn't advanced enough to get there. I doubt we ever will.

But what was done on 911 had been done. The war in Afghanistan, corrupt as it may have been, was a necessary one.

Not Iraq. That's a different story entirely.

Regarding the latest entry just below: I wouldn't expect them to release the video because it would serve as a training video for the next guy. We're not typing about the vulnerabilities of the local bait shop. We're typing about the vulnerabilities of the Pentagon.

[-] 6 points by turbocharger (1756) 9 years ago

Show me the video of that giant 747 flying into the Pentagon, the most heavily surveyed building on the planet?

No video? Hmmmm....

[-] 5 points by beautifulworld (23767) 9 years ago

Children killed by U.S. drones in Pakistan and Yemen:

http://droneswatch.org/2013/01/20/list-of-children-killed-by-drone-strikes-in-pakistan-and-yemen/

Casualties of the Iraq War:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_Iraq_War

Yes, 3000 American deaths was a sad thing, but we are not the only people on earth who care about their people and who have suffered loss. Many people on this good earth have suffered way beyond any suffering here. That is the truth that must be told and must be faced. Until we place all lives on the same level as our own lives as Americans, we will continue to be hated. Love begets love. Violence begets violence.

[-] 5 points by flip (7101) 9 years ago

I agree that we had been provoking the world for many years by sticking our noses and our military bases where they didn't belong. - can you give me a ball park figure as to how many people we have killed over the last 50 years with our nose?? it would seem that when you come up with a number it would make this statement obvious nonsense - but what was done on 911 had been done. The war in Afghanistan, corrupt as it may have been, was a necessary one. -

[-] -2 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

If you want me to consider a time frame of 50 years, then you must first acknowledge that many of those responsible for what took place over that time frame are dead and buried.

My neighbors pissed me off a few years ago. I'm not going to blame their kids for it.

What would you have done?

[-] 6 points by flip (7101) 9 years ago

you do realize that the taliban offered to turn bin laden over if we showed them the evidence - you know that right? and wow - even for a modest capitalist - thinking that war was justified is showing a very poor understanding of the situation. very disturbing

[-] -2 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

So if a half dozen thugs wearing masks working together break into your home, tie you up, and rape your daughter, leaving behind finger prints and DNA, you would be willing to negotiate with the group and let 5 of them go free to rape some more little girls in return for allowing them to examine the evidence?

If you were in charge on 911, what would you have done?

[-] 5 points by flip (7101) 9 years ago

you need help. what should have been done was the same thing that was done after the oklahoma city bombing - did they bomb buffalo?

[-] 2 points by MattHolck0 (3867) 9 years ago

hilter over extended

[-] 1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

My evil side would love to have seen the look on that monster's face when he finally had no choice but to admit that he had been beaten down into a puddle of his own blood, teeth, and piss, figuratively typing.

My not so evil side wonders what made him such a monster to begin with. I read a while back that Hitler was abused or neglected as a child. I don't know if that's true or to what degree but I do suspect that if babies are neglected often enough as they reach out desperately for their mothers, monsters are created.

[-] -3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

My guess is that we're somewhere on the same page on this one.

Yep - more on that later as I am really distracted at the moment and your comment has much content that can be expanded upon in a good - even if short conversation.

[-] 2 points by MattHolck0 (3867) 9 years ago

the democrats come out of college fraternities just like the republicans

[-] -3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Try again. This country did not get to this point of disease decay failure - just in the last 6 years.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Ebola oozing in everywhere? No.Not likely.Totally Unprevented Preventable Contagious Disease Scare=Emergency Anti Pitchfork Program.

[-] 3 points by elf3 (4203) 9 years ago

Are stocks crashing? Another cliff? I'm not in the loop on this I google and get stock advise ads but no insider stuff...what's the scoop?

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Opinions about the State of the Banks and Markets are somewhat split.Many people,myself included feel that there are a variety of serious problems with the TBTF's-the main one being that all of them are exposed to very high levels of risk-to the tune of 780 Billion and in some cases,moar.The risk is posed by exposure on Derivatives.This amounts to a massively dangerous structural deficiency in terms of Risk.As you probably noticed,there were seriously chaotic bouts of volatility in the worldwide financial markets last week.The Chinese .gov announced that they will not be injecting "liquidity" into their banks,as the Americans,Japanese and EU have been doing with "Quantitative Easing." I'm sure you also remember Victoria Nuland saying "Fuck the EU." What she was really saying was Fuck the Germans.The Sanctions have thrown Germany and the rest of the EU into a Triple Dip Recession .Now they are trying to force Angela Merkel to inject liquidity into German Banks.The German People are not likely to be gentle with her if she goes that route.In the States,the Stock Markets had what is called a Taper Tantrum.The Federal Reserve has already tried to stop the injections of liquidity a couple of times,resulting in Taper Tantrums.The Fed also needs to stop Zero Interest Rate Growth.However,even raising interest rates 1/2 of a point will cause the economy to crash.Likewise,if they do not hike interest rates.the economy will crash.QE cannot continue either.When all Hell broke loose last week,the Fed sent out 2 stooges who are not voting members of the Open Markets Committee to make noises that sounded like the Fed was trying to say the Tapering will be Postponed.No person from the Fed who has actual authority to speak for the FOMC has made any such statement yet.If they don't announce more qe on Monday,panic selling will almost certainly ensue,which could possibly exceed the ability of the Plunge Protection Team to control.This could result in a massive correction,margin calls,followed by a crash.The structural problems are so bad that a crash is inevitable,but some people think if QE resumes,the Crash can be put off until 8/15.My advice is to stock op on canned goods and pet food.That's what I've been doing.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

Is your pet food being stocked up intended as backup food for human consumption if hell breaks loose?

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

We are set for human food for an indefinite period.I think food becoming completely unobtainable for extended periods of time in the event of a major Economic Collapse is not likely in the foreseeable future.I have a small amount of silver coin,but my theory is that if there is no trustworthy currency,pulling out gold and silver coins for trade might attract Unwanted Attention.I do very much hope that nobody's greed would be unduly aroused by a person trying to barter cases of applesauce or 12 dozen eggs,or firewood for gas or whatever.Bags of dog and cat food are good barter items.I hope it does not come to that-for real.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

I have this image of the people drinking Kool-Aid(R) in the food court of the Peoples Temple wanting some solid foods from their retirement plans. Pet foods may become the new-and-improved 401(k) retirement plans if they can stay fresh for a long time.

Did you consider the possibility that the pet foods might lose their barter value because people had eaten their pets?

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

I think-I PRAY-that nothing like that would happen for a few years at least!-LMMF'nAO!

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

There are dual-use pets shoring up our state of readiness.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Chickens.They are excellent animals.I was only able to raise one pullet this summer.The Hens were being disturbed while sitting.A skunk was entering their house and stealing their eggs at night.The skunk also disappeared a beautiful white baby Rooster.The one pullet I raised is an exquisite little creature named Zirp.We are very pleased with her.She is likely to be a layer of blue eggs.

[-] 3 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

I raised a pair of hens as pets when I was a kid. One day coming back home from school, I found Sesame missing. Mom told me that she had given the hen away to a friend of ours. That was when I discovered "dual-use" and embarked on my very own "Quantitative Easing." "Be prepared!" became my endeavor.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

Do you really believe what China .gov says about not injecting "liquidity" into their banks? China .gov had agreement with Britain regarding non-interference in Hong Kong but it had already rescinded that agreement.

I say that China's Communist Party will do whatever will be necesary for staying in power. Compared to that, "liquidity" infusion is nothing much. China .gov was probably just jawboning to avoid a collapse of confidence in its slowing economy and its currency. China is extremely strong because it is weak. Everyone defers to a mighty whale that may keel over.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

LOL-Max Kaiser said that there is Debt Ball in China that of such a humongous size,it can be seen from Outer Space.They are about to start having interesting times in China,for sure.If the Central Planners in China have stated that they are not going to buy up Bad Chinese Paper,we can take them at their word,I guess.The Chinese banks are at least partly hedged with PM and other types of Tangible Assets.Western Banks-not so much?

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

I heard this mumbling of "market discipline" and "moral hazard" from Ben Bernanke and Hank Paulson stretching back for two years before the collapse of Lehman Brothers in late 2008. When the Deluge came, Hank Paulson was reportedly kneeling to beg Nancy Pelosi for Congressional action to bail out the banksters and others.

If China faces a similar collapse threatening the rule of the Communist Party, what will be the big deal about running the money-printing press? What is PM?

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

PM=precious metals.Some people believe that when the Chinese Banks have amassed some certain level of Tonnage of Gold,China would be able to Bust a Move.At this point,the yuan is pegged to the usd,I think.Maybe they can't inflate because of that? Also.Chinese Banks have prodigious quantities of T-Bills.If you're stuck with shitloads of T-bills how do you get rid of them? I don't know the answers to this stuff.especially in Foreign Markets.I did successfully predict the Crash of 2007-but it started 90 days sooner than my data suggested.You are very much "on the money" when you state that The Party doesn't give a shit-they will do whatever.It seems like they don't want to do anything that might make their currency relatively stronger because they need to exportexportexport.I bet they would love to dump UST-bills,but can't-yet.

[-] 3 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

As China's U.S. treasuries holdings mature, China can buy crude with it from the global oil market. It can also buy U.S. food supply such as soybeans, or real estate, company shares, etc. It is actually an excellent time for China to unload some of its treasuries holdings to buy real things elsewhere in the world because the U.S. dollar is very strong these days.

The first wounded casualty of the Crash of 2007 was Morgan Stanley but China helped saved the day. China can use its vast holdings to do the same thing again. China's vast foreign reserve holdings contribute to shoring up the global asset prices. The U.S. may be unprepared but China has so much money to burn that it can certainly rub off on the U.S., too - such as higher soybean or oil prices - which will be great for the U.S. working class by warding off deflation, according to our Federal Reserve.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

They can't really dump too many of them at once-but you are right--bills come in handy when you need to buy oil.Soybean futures are looking good right now-that's a good sign.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

Strategically, China should negotiate with Russia to buy Lake Baikal and the surrounding watershed areas with a land bridge to northern China. Fresh water will be needed in northern China in the coming decades with global warming exacerbating droughts. Russia is being squeezed by sanctions due to its joyride in Ukraine so it can certainly use some foreign exchange for placating its internal constituents hurt by falling crude prices and sanctions. China knows how to drive a hard bargain.

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

A huge effort needs to be made to conserve the Lake.It is in serious trouble.That is a great idea-the Chinese could afford to do the conservation-they also don't have a horror of providing jobs for people.You get first Prize for Outside of The Box Idea of the Year,imo.I have often wondered-Can't anybody save that Lake? It is a World Treasure-well-right there it is-"Yes we CAN save Lake Baikal."Excellent!

[-] 3 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

Adam Smith's Invisible Hand can work its wonders without waiting for perfect players. Putin and China are perfectly capable of looking after their self interests to save Lake Baikal which suffers badly under current regimes (wanton logging and chemical dumping). The U.S. money-printing press stands at the ready to underwrite the Deal of the Century marking the Rise of China - the Baikal Purchase.

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

I respect your intellegence,Grapes.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Ebola is one thing. Really a non-event in the USA especially when compared to other seasonal killers such as the regular flu.

The thing I am getting at here - is - that this country is supposed to be already prepared for emergency medical requirements to answer to any pandemic and or natural disaster. AND IT IS NOT. Not Ready - Not Educated - Not Trained - and NOT EVEN IN THE PRACTICE OF THE VERY BASICS.

The Ebola Hysteria goes to prove one point - This Countries Health Care System is in VERY POOR SHAPE.

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

We already paid Top Dollar times 200 to Homeland Security to Defend the Homeland against Bioweapons Attacks.Plans & preparations for that should be easily translated into a workable strategy in case of an outbreak of Contagion.More Proof that DHS is a Bogus & Decrepit Boondoggle and the Billions put into it have been Stolen.The Corporate Entities will NEVER permit a real overhaul of Health Care Policy in the US because that would totally Cramp their Gansta Style.Likewise Energy Policy,Campaign Finance,Trade and Treaties,Taxation &.c.We are no longer talking Deep Capture.We are talking Total Capture.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

The pitchforks are coming as history will refuse to be denied.

[-] 1 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

When Americans can't gas up their vehicles,TPTB are going to find out that they have seriously underestimated how Nasty Americans are.One thing is FOR SURE.They do not like the word "NO" when it comes to their Automotive Habits.

[-] 0 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

Damn right. Same goes for your previous entry. Just as long as you're typing about the corruption and not the concept of a DHS.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

How did it happen,Stillmodest? I seem to recall there was a man named Wellstone.There were envelopes with Ames variant Anthrax mailed to Senators.I think Somebody wished Senator Wellstone and his family away.Then came the Patriot act,and DHS and Fema was pulled apart.It went through the Senate because Wellstone wasn't there.The Senators voted for all of this,knowing fully what they were doing.They wanted the Anthrax letters to stop,and they stopped.No Proof,or Evidence,or Witnesses,or Lawyers or Lawsuits or petitions or lobbying or praying to Jesus or Ghost Dancing or Bernie Sanders or Frontline Episodes or Snowden-type People or agitating or Legislating or protesting or Investigations or Hacktivism or Pundits will get rid of the Patriot Act or DHS.Being completely and utterly offended by the noxious and objectionable and unconstitutional nature of these unwholesome,unwelcome and illegal developments GOES WITHOUT SAYING.All of it is here to stay.The Supreme Tool Court does not want to get Ames variant letters.Even if you submitted your lawsuit to them,they would not hear it.There is no power on Earth that can get rid of DHS and Unpatriot Act.I am less certain about the Citizens United.There is a shred of hope there.Personally,I look for insight in things that are conspicuously not Happening,along with trying to keep track of what is Happening.Clue: 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

[Removed]

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Thank god for the price break on gas just prior to the elections - Hey?

If the majority of the population ever woke up to fact of just how badly and how long they have been played.

Well like I said - the pitchforks are coming - and those on the receiving end will deny that it is their fate right up to the moment that they get skewered.

[-] 2 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

Obviously the Elites have little esteem for the American People.I feel that the Elites are ignorant of the Kind of People they are playing around with.They say:"Just look at these Slobs.They are So Retarded we can tell them anything and they will believe it.They can be Herded in any Direction.They are many,and We are Few,yet they are Putty in Our Hands." The Apathy,Ignorance,Sluggishness and Sloth of our Fellow Citizens has Lulled them into a False Sense of Security.Indeed,I believe the behavior of the American People has effectively Straw Dogged the !%.They are making a CLASSIC strategic error,IMHO.You see,that is what they want to see.A big,old stupid dog made out of straw.So that's what they see.

[-] -1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

The pitchforks may come in our lifetime. Unfortunately, many will end up stuck in the backs of ordinary people.

The masses are right to be frustrated but too stupid to realize how much power they have within their wallets to make a real difference.

Another record-breaking quarter for Apple.

Bring on the comet.

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Makes me sick = consumerism

Buying shit that is not needed - gotta have the latest and gr8est mania.

Bring on the comet.

It will end the same without the comet - just not as fast.

[-] 0 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

That's a lot hospitals. How many Ebola patients can each hospital handle at once?

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

Yes, that should be enough for the designated survivors (according to your guarantee of at most one Ebola case per half a million Americans or no more than 640 cases in the U.S. for this outbreak). Don't panic. The U.S. has not had a human-to-human, human-to-animal, or animal-to-human transmission of Ebola outside of a healthcare setting yet. Most hospitals can handle one Ebola patient in isolation ward at once.

Less cushy (unheated, chamber-pot style) hospital tent extensions can be provided if need be (Remember that Ebola is NOT "airborne" so giving enough space between the extensions and the hospitals amounts to isolation if people are careful enough). After all, West Africa was working with a lot less and about half of the patients survived. The case of Dr. Craig Spencer's activities shows though that New Yorkers may be far more connected than West Africans. I really do not like to be on the A1L-ing subway trains (good though that these were not the most crowded or widespread trains) that the doctor was on, nor the bowling alley.

According to WHO, we have reached the halfway point of the projected total number of Ebola cases of 20000 for this outbreak: Ebola outbreak: Cases pass 10,000, WHO reports

[-] 2 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

But something quite shady is still going on behind the scenes. It was reported just a few days ago that millions of Ebola vaccine doses will be ready for 2015.

Ch'Ching!

Right Obama?

Better start clearing some landfill space for all of those wasted Ebola meds..

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

They will work wonders in West Africa and hence the world if they work.

[-] 2 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

I hope so. Those people have enough crap to deal with. They don't need Ebola.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

They need clean running water to drink and wash hands with soap. In Africa and here, we need to convince people that circumstances can change the valuations.

For example, CDC's protocols for dealing with Ebola were adopted from West Africa's. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital had Enclosed space for Patrick Duncan, unlike the wide open treatment centers in Africa. That had likely increased the ambient density of Ebola virus, especially since the U.S. health workers did far more procedures (kidney dialysis and intubation) much longer in a Confined space than feeding electrolytes to maintain hydration. The space in which the workers defrocked was also small/crammed relative to Africa's.

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

So - Ebola vaccine - available - USA special stock reserved?

One would hope that the vaccine would be put to use as a preventative measure in West Africa.

[-] 1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

You, grapes, and I seem to agree on that one.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 9 years ago

My ancestor who had to make a life-or-death choice due to the limited amount of antidote available made the correct choice. It makes NO sense to reserve an antidote for later if there is an actual need now because the future "death" may not even occur. If Ebola is stopped in Africa, what do we need the U.S. special stock reserved here for? Nothing.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Best defense is a good offense - slap down that Ebola.

[-] 2 points by turbocharger (1756) 9 years ago

Its all nonsense. There is no way for a government to be able to handle something in a country of this size, with this many people, without an even more regulated and controlled police state.

[-] 3 points by trashyharry (3084) from Waterville, NY 9 years ago

One Hypercontrol Freak,Invasive,Repressive,Brutal Police State-coming up! Ice Cold,with Second and Third Helpings for Everybody-Just the way we like it!

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

Failure in basics - the basics.

No medical personnel should be deficient in the basic practices of the Field = Health. And everyone who works in a health care facility is medical personnel - yep each position down to the people who remove the garbage and up to the executive staff = EVERY SINGLE INDIVIDUAL WHO DOES ANY SORT OF WORK IN THE FACILITY.

What is a basic?

Cleanliness in all things - personal cleanliness and area cleanliness - cleanliness of equipment, supplies. Clean handling of equipment , supplies. Clean collection/disposal/treatment of used equipment, supplies.

Cleanliness and proper care - YOU KNOW ARE DEFICIENT - when one sees such things as health care professionals wearing their scrubs to and from work. Whats wrong with wearing clean scrubs to work? How clean is the home - how clean is the transportation - how clean is the environment ( stores etc ) that one may pass through prior to getting to work? What is being brought into what should be a clean environment - just by the people who work there?

There is absolutely no excuse as to having MRSA as a major source of infection throughout a medical facility. This points out one MAJOR failure of the basics of cleanliness and it's daily practice.


Now we do not want to be too antiseptic in our home life nor in our social life. As regular exposure to regular germs are essential for building and maintaining a healthy immune system.

But we are talking about working in/at a place where treating infection and disease is a basic daily routine.

One should enter that place as cleanly as possible so as not to further compromise those who are there for treatment that already have a compromised immune system or who will be undergoing procedures which will expose the patient to direct internal infection. Conversely one should not leave work with the possibility of spreading something encountered at work.

This would ( should ) present the necessity of getting scrubbed-down and clothed at arrival at work prior to going out on the floor and getting working. This would ( should ) also present the necessity of scrubbing-down and getting into clean clothing prior to leaving work.

[-] 1 points by StillModestCapitalist (343) 9 years ago

I was with you, but a little concerned until I got to the second part of your entry.

You nailed it.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

You nailed it.

Thanks

Basics - really - just basics.

[-] -1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 9 years ago

AannnnnnnndD TWEET

DKAtoday @DKAtoday · now 4 seconds ago

Why all of the failures to be ready to respond properly? https://occupywallst.org/forum/a-dismal-state-of-readiness/

Much of the failures are in what should be Practice Basics